Certificates recognising baby loss ‘will help bring families some peace of mind’

A mother from Oxfordshire who lost her twin boys in 2012 says baby loss certificates “will help bring families some peace of mind”.

The government has announced today that ‘all parents who have experienced losing a pregnancy can apply for a certificate formally recognising their loss’.

The Department for Health and Social Care say, “from today, this voluntary service will be extended with no backdate allowing all parents who have suffered an historic pregnancy loss or a future loss to apply”.

'It made me question if I was allowed to grieve in the same way'

Suzie Scofield who lives near Henley lost both of her twins. Daniel was born at 29 weeks old but only lived for 18 hours, whilst his brother Rory died at 21 weeks old and was born one day short of 24 weeks, which was classed as a miscarriage.

Suzie held Rory in her arms after giving birth, but was only given a birth and death certificate for Daniel.

She said: “For me, losing a baby at 21 weeks was over halfway through my pregnancy and I felt him move inside me, I saw Rory and Daniel together on the scans and I laboured with him for 12-hours and gave birth.

“But, to not have anything tangible and recognition of his existence, it’s hard to put into words.

“It felt really hard and really strange to have twin brother in the same pregnancy where we had certification for one but not the other.

“I think having the same thing for both of my twins would have been really helpful at the time, I suppose it made me question if I was really allowed to grieve in the same way as I didn’t have the same recognition of their existence.”

'It will bring some piece of mind'

More than 50,000 people have already received certificates under a voluntary scheme.

Suzie says she'll now be registering for a certificate for Rory, she said: “For families it will bring some piece of mind, and grief is tough so it’s something that can be done to ease that.

“I will definitely be registering and getting a certificate for Rory so that I can put it alongside Daniel’s.”

'This government will always listen to women and families'

The Department for Health and Social Care said: “The government is committed to ensuring bereaved parents are supported during this difficult time, and that the impact and importance of their loss is recognised. Certificates are free and remain optional for parents.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Losing a pregnancy can be deeply distressing - there is so much love and so many dreams for the future wrapped up in a tiny life. That's why it is important for bereaved parents to have the option to officially recognise the existence of their babies and how much they matter.

"I'm pleased we can now ensure all parents are able to apply for these certificates, no matter how long ago they lost their pregnancies. This government will always listen to women and families as we overhaul our health system to ensure everyone gets compassionate, safe and personalised care.”

The extension of the service marks Baby Loss Awareness Week which is held every year from the 9th to 15th October.

If you have been affected, you can find support at the charity Suzie Co-Founded, called Footprints Baby Loss, who provide support to parents and families who experience the death of one or more of their twins or triplets before, during or after birth.

You can also find support at Tommy's charity and Samaritans where you can find free 24/7 support from any phone, on 116 123.

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