Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 08:30
Baby Loss Awareness Day started in 2002 and is now in its 21st year. Baby Loss Awareness Week has taken place every October in the UK every year since then, and this year is between 9th-15th of October.
1 in 4 people in the UK experience pregnancy or baby loss, BLAW is a collaboration between a number of bereavement charities and aims to offer support, solidarity, and comfort to everyone whose lives have been touched by the impact of pregnancy and baby loss.
The week is arranged annually by an alliance of charities which are committed to raising awareness of pregnancy and baby loss, providing support, and working with health professionals to reduce preventable deaths.
It is also recognised as a special opportunity to mark the lives of babies lost in pregnancy or soon after birth.
For more information about Baby Loss Awareness Week, click here.
Support and information for anyone affected by pregnancy loss, however recent or long ago, is available from the Miscarriage Association.
Cuddle pockets
Cuddle pockets were launched across EEAST in 2020 to allow the dignified transportation of miscarried and stillborn babies to hospital. The knitted and lined pockets are designed for babies who are less than 24 weeks, who are placed inside with the ribbons tied together.
The baby’s parents are then encouraged to hold their baby during the journey. The cuddle pockets allow the ambulance crew to give care in a sensitive way and assure parents that their babies are being treated with the utmost respect.
The cuddle pockets have been made by volunteers and are on all EEAST frontline vehicles and were rolled out to PAS vehicles and include a information/bereavement leaflet.
As a result of feedback from crews, the information on our leaflets explaining how to use the cuddle pocket has been amended, and now includes:
“Once the cord is clamped and cut from the placenta, gently pat dry the baby before placing into a cuddle pocket. Use the ribbon to secure them inside. Dependant on the style of cuddle pocket, either tie the ribbon from side to side or use the drawstring to pull, and then tie in the middle. If required, fold the top over the baby, to make an envelope.”
For more information or to watch a video about the cuddle pockets, please see QR code below.
We continue to receive positive feedback and suggestions from crews on the use of the bereavement leaflet and cuddle pockets, if you have any feedback, please email patientsafety@eastamb.nhs.uk.
We understand that this is a sensitive issue and would urge you to contact EEAST’s Wellbeing Service, the Miscarriage Association or Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity (SANDS) if you have been affected by baby loss.
Published 9th October 2023