Baby Loss: North Yorkshire mum calls for more family wide support
Laura Parkinson found out one of her twin boys Joseph had died during a routine scan
A North Yorkshire woman is calling for more support for the whole family following the loss of a baby.
Laura Parkinson from York found out one of her twin boys Joseph had died during a routine scan.
She says it's really important that help is available for everyone - not just the mum.
"Particularly, dads are quite often forgotten, and it's really important that they seek out support because I know my partner managed to get some counselling through a charity, but again really struggled.
"But I do think there's a culture with men - you know that 'toughen up, you're alright, be strong for your partner' kinda thing, but equally they're grieving too. They've lost their child and it's really important that they seek out help and that talk like being able to talk and have a safe space to talk.
"But for everyone in the family, there wasn't much support available at the time - through other resources, so I think everyone needs more support."
Laura goes on to say not just the other parent - siblings are impacted too:
"My daughter really struggled to come to terms with it because she was expecting two baby brothers and and it took her a long time to process.
"We did manage to get her some counselling that really helped - that was through another charity - but they no longer are around, which is one of the sad cases about a lot of charities."
The annual Baby Loss Awareness week (9-15 October), now in its 22nd year, is an opportunity for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss, and their families and friends to unite with others across the world to commemorate their babies’ lives and lost pregnancies.
York Hospital will show its support by once again turning the lights on the hospital blue and pink, to help highlight the emotional impact of pregnancy and baby loss.
Bev Shelley, Maternity Bereavement Midwife, at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We hope turning the hospital pink and blue will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies. The Butterfly Suite is a tranquil private space and has been welcomed by families and hospital staff.
“Pregnancy loss or the death of a baby is a tragedy that affects thousands of people every year. It is devastating for parents and families and it’s vital they get the bereavement support and care they need, for as long as they need it.
She added: “Parents tell us how important it is that they find a way to remember their baby in a way that suits them. Some join with others at special services organised by their local hospital or a local support organisation, some find solace in events organised by their faith community while others will remember alone in a way unique to them.”
Baby Loss Awareness week culminates on 15 October with the global ‘Wave of Light’ when families across the world are invited to light a candle at 7pm and leave it burning to remember all babies who have died too soon.