Books on baby loss now available in Gloucestershire's libraries
Books on baby loss, suitable for readers of all ages, are now available in libraries in the county
Last updated 14th Oct 2022
Libraries in Gloucestershire have teamed up with Footsteps Counselling and Care to provide a range of books, suitable for readers of all ages on baby loss and pregnancy related issues.
A selection of 17 titles has been chosen by county librarians, with guidance from Footsteps, and reflect the many issues around baby loss.
Mike Warner became a trustee of Footsteps after his wife experienced 3 miscarriages, including a late-stage loss.
When Mike lost his son, Daniel, he wanted to help those going through the same struggles.
He says when he "suddenly saw his wife in a lot of pain," the realisation of what was happening was "massively traumatising" and became a recurring memory that haunted him for several months.
When Mike was left in the bereavement suite with his wife and son he felt very lonely and couldn't get to sleep, he didn't want his wife to wake up and have no one to talk to.
"I stayed awake the entire night, the only thing I had was my phone. I used my phone to research and look up, 'what am I going to do tomorrow?', I'm preparing myself for what the next day is going to bring."
Mike says he was looking for a book to help him through the traumatising experience but was unable to find anything.
Recognising this lack of support, he went on to work closely with Gloucestershire Libraries so that they could provide books that help people going through similar pregnancy related issues.
The 17 titles now available cover topics including; miscarriage, still birth, fertility struggles and traumatic birth, as well as supportive books for young siblings to help them understand and deal with these issues.
It's free to access the books in several formats - including e-books - so they can be accessed by anyone who needs them, at any time.
If you're not already a library member, then anyone in Gloucestershire can join their local library for free, either in person or online.
If you have a residential address in the county you can join online quickly and easily and access to e-books and e-audiobooks is instant once you are a library member.
Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for libraries, said: “We’re honoured to have the help and guidance from Footsteps to be able to improve our provision of books around this topic, which sadly affects many of us at some point.
“All the titles have been carefully selected and can hopefully provide support on the journey of coping with such traumatic experiences.”
For further support, please visit www.footstepscandc.org.uk