Women and their partners who have experienced the loss of a baby describe the pain and grief as unimaginable. For those who experience this tragedy, it’s vital they get the right support from the very moment they lose their baby, at whatever stage in pregnancy that may be.
And support is there - we’re funding baby loss charity Sands to work with charities and Royal Colleges to produce and support the roll-out of a National Bereavement Care Pathway (NBCP) to ensure all bereaved parents receive high quality, individualised and sensitive care.
Shockingly, five years ago, 40% of the country had no access to specialist perinatal mental health care. But we are changing that. The NHS is rolling out 26 dedicated mental health hubs for new, expectant or bereaved mothers across the country, as well as providing mental health training for maternity staff and midwives - making it easier for women and their families to access psychological support when they need it.
Shockingly, five years ago, 40% of the country had no access to specialist perinatal mental health care.
I’ve heard how the support from the NHS can make all the difference to women who have experienced baby loss. From a woman who was given a memory box with photographs and castings of her baby's hands and feet to cherish, to a couple who were grateful to have been given as long as they needed to say goodbye. Another woman spoke about finding exercises through cognitive behavioural therapy to help alleviate her anxiety and get back to work and her social life. Having these different support systems in place can be a lifeline when you are experiencing such unimaginable pain and grief.
Earlier this year, we ran a call for evidence to inform our first ever Women’s Health Strategy. 110,000 people responded and while the analysis is still underway, it was no surprise that for many women mental health and pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and post-natal support were key issues they felt our strategy needs to address.
And while it is imperative that those services are there for those who need them, ultimately, we want to see fewer women and their families needing to access these services.
I want to thank those health and care workers for their continued efforts to reduce stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates. In England and Wales, the stillbirth rate is decreasing and we continue to work towards our target, set out in the NHS Long Term plan, to reduce stillbirths by 50% by 2025.
The past 18 months have been incredibly challenging for many of us but, as a nurse who worked during the pandemic, I know it has been especially difficult for those on the front line.
We need to make sure those who provide care and support for others feel looked after themselves.
We need to make sure those who provide care and support for others feel looked after themselves - we’re giving £37 million to strengthen the mental health support we offer healthcare staff - these services provide listening and counselling support from fully qualified trained advisors. I encourage anyone who is struggling to use these services.
The pain of losing a baby does not just go away. There is no blueprint for experiencing grief. But no matter what stage of your journey you are at, support is there for you. Reach out. You are not alone.
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