Baby loss in pregnancy: pledge to better support women
By Clare Gooch
The loss of a baby is unimaginable, yet sadly there are around 500 miscarriages a day in the UK.
Historically, the support available to women and their families following miscarriage has been less than adequate with many women feeling alone and unheard. These feelings add to the grief, confusion and unanswered questions many families experience after a miscarriage. Campaigns have been set up to change the current position to help support families who miscarry.
In recent reports, women who lose their babies have been promised better care and support including ways to store remains and collect them with dignity.
The Pregnancy Loss Independent Review is said to have made 73 recommendations for improving care for women and families who lose their babies before 24 weeks. The Government has said that it will produce a voluntary certificate for those who lose their baby before 24 weeks gestation. Whilst this will not be a legal document, it is hoped it will provide some comfort and help parents validate their loss. Consideration is being given to a 24/7 helpline to advise on how care can be provided to grieving families and what further advice and information should be provided to women who suffer more than 1 miscarriage.
It has been reported that as part of new measures focusing on women’s health, the NHS website will be updated to include more information on subjects such as hormone therapies, IVF and women’s conditions such as adenomyosis and endometriosis, which can cause fertility issues.
At Switalskis, we support many families who have been affected by miscarriage and baby loss. We support the changes and recommendations to better support women and their families during the difficult times they may face.
If you have if you have lost a baby and require some advice, please get in touch so that we can begin to support you.