Home – Our services – Maternity – Maternity Bereavement Service – Support

Support

Find out about the many charities and voluntary groups offering support to bereaved parents and their extended families.

Everyone is individual, but the loss of a baby can bring grief which is much deeper than you may have ever experienced before and can last much longer than most people expect. Further information can be found on the NHS website

Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to look for extra support, and the amount of support you require might change over time and at certain times of the year.

There are many charities and voluntary groups offering support to bereaved parents and their extended family.

Support is offered in a variety of ways including websites, social media, telephone helplines, support groups and therapies. We have included some trusted resources below.

Early pregnancy loss

Cradle

Provide a range of services and support groups to anyone affected by early pregnancy loss, with an online community forum, and weekly online support groups.

Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation

A registered charity who strive to improve the care of women, with a diagnosis or possible diagnosis, of an ectopic pregnancy. Their website contains resources, information and a blog.

Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

Provides information, education and support to those affected by early pregnancy complications. Has an online forum, 24 hour helpline and group sessions via Zoom.

Miscarriage Association 

Provides support and information to anyone affected by pregnancy loss via a helpline, local support groups and online support. 

The Pink Elephants Support Network

An Australian based charity, who provide information and peer-support to anyone impacted by early pregnancy loss. Through their website and social media they share real-life stories and provide private support groups page

The Worst Girl Gang Ever

A support platform for miscarriage and baby loss, through their website, podcasts and social media.

Pregnancy loss and neonatal death

4Louis

UK charity that works across the country to support anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and the death of a baby or child. They also work to improve the care bereaved families receive from health care and other professionals. 

Aching Arms 

A baby loss charity ran by a group of bereaved mothers, they offer support by telephone email and support groups.

Baby Loss Hour

Every Tuesday evening at 8pm UK time. Search for #babylosshour and listen or join in with the conversation with other bereaved parents.

Eventbrite

A ticketing platform where you can quickly and easily search for events being held near your town or online. Search using keywords such as “baby loss,” “pregnancy loss,” “miscarriage.” Most events are free to attend.

SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) 

Supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby via email, telephone and social media. The local SANDS group is located in Durham.

Saying Goodbye (The Mariposa Trust)

Provides advice, information and support to anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby, at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in infancy.

Still Parents Teesside 

A local, group for anyone affected by the death of a baby; during pregnancy, at birth or in the first few weeks of life. Offering support via their website, social media and a monthly support group  

The Lullaby Trust

Offering confidential bereavement support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child. A dedicated section on their website for bereavement, online forum, social media pages and a dedicated bereavement support line.

Tommy’s

Supporting families affected by baby loss.

Multiple pregnancy loss

Skye High Foundation

Supporting families dealing with the loss of a baby who was part of a multiple birth.

Twins Trust

Supporting all parents and carers of twins, triplets or more who have died whether it was during or after pregnancy. Peer-to-peer befriending service, social media support groups and resources

The Twins Trust also support families who have made the difficult decision to end the pregnancy for one or more of their babies following an antenatal diagnosis. Their booklet Termination for Medical Reasons specific to twins and multiples, provides answers to the many questions surrounding termination for medical reasons and the support available through the charity’s Bereavement Service.

Termination for Medical Reasons booklet

Faith and Ethnic support

Care for the Family

Care for the Family provides parent support, family support and bereavement support to anyone who is bereaved. This is a family orientated organisation, promoting strong family life, and help with any difficulties within a family. It has a Christian compassion ethos. They run parenting courses throughout the UK

Caribbean and African Health Network

Woking to eradicate health inequalities for Caribbean and African people. Provide a counselling service led by qualified black counsellors for support with mental health and bereavement.

Chana

Provides emotional and practical support to Jewish families who are experiencing primary or secondary infertility through their website, social media and free helpline

Children of Jannah  

Aims to meet the needs of grieving Muslim parents in the UK and beyond, providing practical, emotional and spiritual support. 

Five x More

Committed to highlighting and changing black women and birthing people’s maternal health outcomes in the UK.

Provides peer support and free resources for black women and birthing people via their website and APP. Has a dedicated section within their website for pregnancy/baby loss.

Muslim Bereavement Support Service 

A non-profit organisation serving the Muslim community by supporting bereaved mothers who have lost a child at any stage.  

The Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service

Offering support and bereavement counselling to adults and children within the Jewish Community. Including families affected by any pregnancy loss and early infancy death.

Useful books

The following are suggested reading books which can be used to explain baby loss to children:

  • For Jewish families: Hashem Cries Too by Rachel Shifra Tal
  • For Muslim families: We will meet again in Jannah by Zamir Hussain