Baby Loss Awareness Week in the Northern Trust

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is marking Baby Loss Awareness Week (October 9 -15) with a number of special events and initiatives.

The annual campaign provides an opportunity to remember much-loved and missed babies.

In Antrim Area Hospital, a dedicated space is now available for bereaved families who have lost a baby. The Willow Suite provides a sanctuary where mums, dads and family members can spend precious time together with their baby.

During Baby Loss Awareness Week, there’ll be an opportunity to view the room, which has been made possible by the very generous support of a number of local families who have sadly experienced baby loss.

Explaining more, Northern Trust Bereavement Midwife Lesley-Ann Kennedy said: “We’re very grateful to all those who have helped us to create this comfortable and private space, which will make a huge difference to families at the most difficult of times.

“We know the development of the Willow Suite means a lot to many people and we want to use Baby Loss Awareness Week to shine a light on this very special space within our hospital.”

Viewings can be arranged on Wednesday 9 October from 11am-1pm and 6pm – 8.30pm. Please note, this might not be possible if the suite is in use so we would ask people to check in advance on the day by ringing 07585999665 or 07833231815.

During these times, a butterfly remembrance wall will be located outside the Day Assessment Unit where you can place a butterfly to remember a little one who has passed away.

At Causeway Hospital, the butterfly wall will be set up on the ground floor beside Café Causeway on Thursday 10 October from 11am-1pm and 6pm – 8.30pm.

On Friday 11 October a Wave of Light Memory Walk will bring people together at the Garden of Remembrance at Antrim Area Hospital. Please meet at Bush House car park at 6:45pm with the walk beginning at 7pm. Small LED candles will be provided to all those taking part.

A Service of Remembrance will take place on Sunday 13 October at 3pm in Killowen Parish Church, Coleraine. This event is open to all those who have experienced a loss in pregnancy, or the death of a baby or child.

If you would like your baby’s name read out during the event (whether you are in attendance or not), please email Bereavement.SupportMidwife@northerntrust.hscni.net.before 5pm on Thursday 10 October or get in touch if you have any questions.

Lesley-Ann added: “Baby Loss Awareness Week encourages us to openly recognise baby loss, and acknowledge its impact on so many families.

“We hope our events will bring some comfort to all those who have been bereaved, by offering opportunities to remember and reflect.

“In my role I work with women and families who have experienced the loss of a baby at any stage. We want to make people aware that support is available and you are not alone. You can refer yourself to our service or alternatively, ask your midwife, nurse, community midwife, health visitor or GP.”

 

 

 

30th September 2024