Ongoing grief "really normal" after baby loss: Doctor's message to Rutland women

Stamford and Rutland mums are being assured it's "really, really normal" to experience prolonged poor mental health after losing a baby.

As part of our continued focus on opening up conversation on - and breaking the stigma around - baby loss this week, we're hearing how natural it is for women to go through feelings of grief and trauma.

Dr Laura Francis from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, is part of a maternal mental health team formed only 18 months ago, offering specialised support to mothers going through difficulties three months after losing a child.

She says there's no right or wrong way to go through grief, and it's certainly not a quick fix:

'It's really normal to feel overwhelmed by grief and sadness when you experience a loss. Particularly in the first three months we would say that most experiences you have are normal, and it's really important to be kind to yourself during that time and to ask for what you need.'

Dr Francis added: 'But as time goes on if things are still feeling particularly difficult and maybe it feels like you're having nightmares or flashbacks, or you're unable to sleep, and it might feel muddled in your mind as to what exactly happened during your loss, then we might provide additional support.'

'We can just be with them in the sadness, and they might feel angry at the world, and we can listen to that, if we can just hold space for them to feel those feelings without thinking those feelings are bad or need to be got rid of then we allow people to let their pain out.'

Accessing help

LPT's Maternal Mental Health team is a referral only service, so those struggling should speak to a GP or midwife.

If you have experienced baby loss, these are some services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland that you could contact for support:

• https://jakin-counselling.co.uk/

• https://thelauracentre.org.uk/

Baby Loss Awareness Week

We'll be bringing you more from our special baby loss awareness week coverage to continue to open up conversation around losing baby, to help women and society feel more comfortable women discussing their experiences.

We'll also be looking at what services are like nationally and locally to support women and their families experiencing baby loss.

There are organisations and resources available where you can get support.

The Baby Loss Awareness Alliance has links to national and local services.

To find out more about the work of Twins Trust, you can visit the bereavement section of their website.

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• baby loss awareness week