Reinventing support in the workplace: Baby Loss Awareness Week

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Around one in four pregnancies results in a miscarriage, typically before the 28th week of pregnancy, according to The World Health Organisation. An estimated 2.6 million babies are stillborn, with half tragically losing their lives during birth. But effective care during pregnancy and birth can prevent many of these heartbreaking losses, particularly stillbirths.

Losing a baby in pregnancy through miscarriage or stillbirth is still taboo worldwide, often linked to stigma and shame. Many women still do not receive appropriate and respectful care when their baby dies during pregnancy or childbirth.

In 2002, a group of charities started Baby Loss Awareness Week to break the silence around this issue. It has grown into an international event focused on raising awareness and supporting families affected by baby loss. This year, the week will be between 9 and 15 October, and will include a global Wave of Light event (15 October, 7 pm local time) in which people light a candle and leave it burning for at least one hour in memory of babies lost.

‍Recognising warning signs to prevent stillbirth

From 24 weeks gestation onwards, a baby has a chance of survival if they are born. Although a baby should preferably stay in the womb for the full term, this isn’t always possible for medical reasons. Nobody knows your body better than you. If anything feels wrong, call your maternity unit. There are some warning signs associated with stillbirth that, if identified early, can lead to intervention:

·      Reduction in the baby’s movement can indicate something is wrong

·      Symptoms of preeclampsia - a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy or after labour. These include severe headaches; vision problems, such as blurring or flashing; sudden swelling, particularly in your feet, ankles, hands and face; pain just under the ribs; and vomiting

·      Waters breaking early, which can lead to premature birth. Feeling a gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina or feeling damp could mean your waters have broken. Put on a clean sanitary towel, not a tampon, and call the maternity unit straight away. 

‍Spreading awareness and resources

We can all play a part in reducing the taboo around baby loss. One way is to talk about personal experiences if you feel able. This helps normalise the conversation and create safe spaces for parents to talk about their loss. The more people are aware of the risks and signs, the more opportunity there is for medical intervention to ensure safe pregnancies and births. You can read about people’s experiences of baby loss at Sands.

‍Supporting friends, colleagues and loved ones

If you know someone who has suffered baby loss, you can show your support in many ways.

Finding the right words can be hard, which can add to their feelings of isolation. Simply saying how sorry you are can help, and it is important to ask about the baby and to use the baby’s name if you can.

Rather than saying ‘Everything happens for a reason’ or ‘This wasn’t meant to be’, try saying something like ‘I’m so sorry. I can imagine how sad this is for you.’

Rather than saying ‘At least you have a healthy child already’, perhaps say ‘I'm deeply sorry for your loss.’

Also, if someone’s baby has died, keep in touch and let them know you are thinking about them. A simple text, card or email goes a long way, or you might want to call and ask how they are.

You can also offer practical help. When a baby dies, it can be hard for parents and families to do everyday tasks such as walking the dog, shopping, or cleaning the house. Offer to help in a practical way, but be specific. For example, offer to help with shopping, preparing food or household jobs, rather than just saying, ‘I'm here to help if you need me.’

‍Getting the right support after baby loss

After experiencing a loss, it’s important for parents to seek the support they need to process this traumatic event. Several organisations offer support for mothers and fathers affected by baby loss. Here is a list of charities.

‍Reinventing support

Delta Capita encourage all staff to support colleagues who have suffered baby loss. We want all our colleagues to feel included, regardless of any health or well-being issues. We support staff in looking after their health, and devoting time to their physical and mental well-being too.

If you are looking for an employer that values employee health, wellbeing and inclusion, browse our latest vacancies. And find out more about how Delta Capita are reinventing an employee-centred workplace.