Baby Loss: Support and Guidance

Firstly, if you're here because you have experienced loss of some kind - I am sorry you've gone through that. Baby loss, also known as pregnancy or infant loss, refers to the devastating experience of losing a baby before or shortly after birth. It can occur at any stage of pregnancy or during infancy. The loss can be emotionally and physically challenging for the parents and their families. In this blog we'll look at some information about signs and symptoms, as well as types of baby loss, and available help and support.

The Silence Around Baby Loss

One of the most painful aspects of baby loss can be how isolating it feels. It’s often not spoken about openly, which can leave families feeling as though they have to suffer in silence. But it’s so important that we start to break the silence. Talking about your baby, naming them if you choose, sharing your story, and seeking support are powerful steps in honouring their memory.

You Deserve Support

Grieving baby loss is not something you need to ‘get over’ — it’s something you move through, at your own pace. Support can look different for everyone. For some, it’s speaking to a trained counsellor. For others, it’s finding connection in a support group with people who truly understand. It might be journalling, planting a tree in memory, or having time off work to rest and recover.

Whatever support looks like for you, you deserve it.

Illustration: Via Instagram/@lianalaneart

Types of Baby Loss:

• Miscarriage: The loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy.

• Stillbirth: The loss of a baby after the 20th week of pregnancy but before birth.

• Neonatal death: The loss of a baby within the first 28 days of life.

• SIDS: The sudden and unexplained death of a baby under one year of age.

Signs and Symptoms of baby loss:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting

• Severe abdominal or back pain

• Loss of pregnancy symptoms (such as breast tenderness or morning sickness)

• Absence of fetal movement

• Contractions or labor pains before the baby is due

• Premature rupture of membranes (water breaking) before the baby is due

• In the case of infant loss, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) may occur without any warning signs.

Help and Support:

• Healthcare professionals: Reach out to your healthcare provider, such as your midwife or GP for necessary medical care.

• Support groups: Joining support groups specifically for baby loss can help you connect with others who have experienced similar losses and share their stories and coping strategies.

• Counseling or therapy: Consider seeking professional counseling or therapy to work through the grief and emotions associated with baby loss.

• Online communities: Participating in online forums, groups, or social media platforms dedicated to baby loss can provide a supportive community where you can share your feelings and find comfort in others' experiences.

• Family and friends: Lean on your loved ones for emotional support and understanding during this difficult time.

• Nonprofit organisations: Various organizations offer resources, counseling services, and support specifically for baby loss, such as SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) or March of Dimes.

• Remembering rituals: Creating rituals or memorials to honor and remember your baby can be a meaningful way to process your loss. This can include planting a tree, lighting a candle, or writing a letter.

• Taking care of yourself: Engage in self-care activities that help you cope with grief, such as exercise, journaling, meditation, or pursuing hobbies.

Remember that the grieving process is unique to each individual, and it's essential to allow yourself time to heal. Seek support and reach out to professionals who can guide you through this difficult journey.

Support Services in the UK

Here are some trusted organisations offering free or low-cost support, community, and counselling for families in the UK who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss:

• The Worst Girl Gang Ever – An honest, down-to-earth podcast and support community run by two mums who have lived through baby loss. They offer courses, a private community, and real-talk support without sugar-coating.

• Tommy’s – Offers expert, evidence-based support for anyone experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. Their baby loss hub includes articles, personal stories, and a helpline.

• Sands – The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity offers a national helpline, online community, and local support groups. They also have resources for helping explain loss to siblings or return to work.

• The Miscarriage Association – Provides support and information for anyone affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy, or ectopic pregnancy. They offer a helpline, online support, and leaflets for friends and family.

• Petals – Offers free specialist counselling to those affected by all types of baby loss.

• Aching Arms – Sends comfort bears donated in memory of other babies to bereaved parents and provides emotional support.

You can also speak to your midwife, GP, or health visitor about local counselling services or NHS referral options.

How Beyond the Bump Can Support You

At Beyond the Bump, we know that baby loss can affect every part of your world — emotionally, physically, and mentally. That’s why we offer gentle, personalised support for parents navigating life after loss.

One way we support families is through our Birth Debrief service — a compassionate, 1:1 space to talk through your experience with someone who understands birth, trauma, and grief. Whether your loss was recent or long ago, processing your story in a safe, supportive environment can be a powerful step in healing - this can be done in person in Warwickshire or over zoom/telephone.

Birth Debrief / Afterthoughts

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We’re also always here to signpost, listen, and offer resources — even if you're not sure what you need yet. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can support you in any way. 💛

At Beyond the Bump, we understand how vital it is to honour every birth story, even the ones filled with heartbreak. Baby loss is something we speak about with honesty and compassion. While our in-person and online courses are designed to support expectant and new parents, we always want those navigating grief to feel seen and supported.

We’re here for you — not just in the joyful parts of parenting, but in the hardest ones too.