7 October 2022
This year marks the 20th year of Baby Loss Awareness Week in the UK.
The initial Baby Loss Awareness Day started on the 15 October 2002. Through the sale of handmade blue and pink ribbon pins by a group of parents, several thousands of pounds for UK organisations supporting bereaved parents were raised.
Over the years, various charities have collaborated, and the two-colour ribbon pins are sold each year, along with other merchandise, to raise money for the charities and to raise awareness of baby loss.
Thousands of people in the UK are affected by the death of a baby or experience pregnancy loss. Baby Loss Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby deaths in the UK. It also works at preventing baby and infant deaths, pregnancy loss and maternal deaths.
Between the 9 and 15 October 2022, parents, families and friends unite to commemorate the lives of babies who were taken during pregnancy, at or soon after birth and in infancy.
The care received by bereaved families following the death of a baby can have a long-lasting impact. Whilst it will not remove the pain or grief, it can help them through a heart-breaking time. In contrast, poor care can add to the distress; yet there are still many parents across the UK that do not receive the bereavement support they need.
This week hopes that awareness is raised for change in policy, research, bereavement care and support to those affected by the death of a baby. There are several ways to raise awareness including watching landmarks and buildings across the country turn blue and pink, or purchase the pin badge from Merchandise | Baby Loss Awareness Week Shop (shop-babyloss-awareness.org.uk)
