"Please do not silence our grief" says woman in Essex after losing baby twin and husband
Certificates recognising baby loss extended to all parents on baby loss awareness week
This baby loss awareness week, the government has announced all parents who have experienced losing a pregnancy can apply for a certificate formally recognising their loss.
Baby loss certificates were first launched in February 2024 but were only available to those who had experienced a loss since September 2018.
From today (9 September), this voluntary service will now be extended with no backdate allowing all parents who have suffered an historic pregnancy loss or a future loss to apply.
Greatest Hits Radio Essex has spoken to a bereaved mother from Leigh-On-Sea who lost one her baby twins two hours before the end of labour.
Ms Lamerton told us, delivering two babies knowing one wasn't alive anymore was "the toughest thing" she's had to do in her life.
Two years after her son's death, Ms Lamerton tragically lost her husband after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
"I was not recovered from the loss of our baby and then I had to deal with another tragic loss. My husband was diagnosed with a brain tumour and died five weeks later. I lost a lot in a short space of time."
Ms Lamerton is asking those supporting loved ones going through baby loss not to "silence their grief".
"I think we're very death avoidant in our society and need to stop shying away from a topic that is so universal.
"Most of the time parents just want to be heard. They've lost a piece of themselves."
She says it's important for those going through baby loss to "seek support" and "share their story."
"For me, sharing was the most profound healing," says Ms Lamerton.
"The pain will forever exist but we find ways to lighten the load"
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.
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.
More than 50,000 certificates have been issued so far.
They remain free and optional for parents.
For those affected by twin or triplet baby loss, you can find support bon the Footprints baby loss Facebook group.
Or for baby loss information and support, please contact Tommy's baby and pregnancy charity by calling 0800 0147 800 or email midwife@tommys.org.