Each year, Baby Loss Awareness Week, held from 9–15 October, brings together families, friends, healthcare professionals and communities to remember babies who died during pregnancy, at birth, or in early infancy. The week concludes on 15 October with the internationally recognised Wave of Light, a moving act of remembrance that unites people across the world.

Originally established in the UK in 2002 by a group of bereaved parents, Baby Loss Awareness Week continues to provide an important opportunity to remember precious babies, support grieving families, raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss, and encourage improvements in bereavement care and maternity services.

Each year, the week has a different theme; this year, the theme is ‘Together, we care’. It is focussed upon finding time to care for ourselves and each other, as part of a community of people affected by all forms of pregnancy and baby loss. Pregnancy and baby loss affect thousands of families every year. In the UK, around 1 in 6 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, while 13 babies die every day shortly before, during or soon after birth. Behind every statistic is a family whose lives have been changed forever, highlighting the ongoing need for compassion, understanding and better support.

The Baby Loss Awareness Alliance brings together a number of charities dedicated to supporting bereaved families, funding research and improving care, including:

• Sands – Supporting bereaved families and working to save babies’ lives.
• Bliss – Supporting babies born premature or sick.
• The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.
• The Lullaby Trust.
• Miscarriage Association.
• Tommy’s – The pregnancy and baby charity.

Among these organisations, Sands continues to play a leading role in supporting bereaved families while campaigning to improve maternity safety and bereavement services across the UK. Through its network of trained volunteers, local support groups and dedicated helplines, Sands ensures that families have access to support whenever they need it.

Baby Loss Awareness Week also encourages open conversations about grief and remembrance. Whether through sharing personal stories, attending local remembrance events, supporting a charity, or simply listening to someone who has experienced loss, every act of kindness helps break the silence surrounding baby loss.

Join the Wave of Light

At 7.00pm on 15 October, people across the globe are invited to light a candle and keep it burning for one hour. As each time zone takes part, a continuous Wave of Light circles the world, creating a powerful tribute to every baby who has died.

Across the UK, hospitals, public buildings, bridges and landmarks are often illuminated in pink and blue to mark the occasion, serving as visible reminders that no family should face their grief alone.

Whether you have experienced baby loss yourself, know someone who has, or simply wish to show your support, your participation can make a meaningful difference.

Together, we can raise awareness, offer comfort to grieving families and ensure every baby is remembered with love. This Baby Loss Awareness Week, take a moment to light a candle, share a message of support, and stand alongside families whose babies will always hold a special place in their hearts.

If you have experienced the loss of a baby and believe it may have resulted from clinical negligence, you do not have to face the situation alone. Our team is here to listen, provide guidance, and help you understand your options. If you would like to discuss your circumstances in confidence, please don’t hesitate to contact Williamsons Solicitors Clinical Negligence Team.