Drop-in events to support Baby Loss Awareness Week
This October, NHFT is proud to support Baby Loss Awareness Week, which takes place from Thursday 9th October to Wednesday 15th October. This important week marks a time for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together, to honour the memory of much-loved and missed babies, and raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.
On Wednesday 15 October, NHFT's Maternal Loss Psychology Team (MLPS) team will be available at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) and Kettering General Hospital (KGH) for informal drop-in sessions. These are open to anyone - whether you're seeking support, want to learn more or simply wish to connect.
Visitors can:
- Speak with the team about available mental health services
- Learn about support after loss and during future pregnancies
If you need support, or know someone who does, or would just like to find out more about service - drop by for some advice and information. The friendly team would love to see you there.
Where are the drop-ins?
There's no need to book, visit us on Wednesday 15 October, between 10.30am and 1pm at:
- Northampton General Hospital, Area L, Maternity Day Unit, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BD
- Kettering General Hospital Maternity Ward, Rockingham Wing, Antenatal Outpatients, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8UZ
Dr Kirsty Harris, Consultant Clinical Psychologist said:
"The loss of a baby during pregnancy, birth or shortly afterwards is a difficult time for families and they sometimes need support from specialist services to navigate their grief. Grieving is unique to each person, it's deeply personal and can affect people in different ways. Grieving the loss of a baby or pregnancy can feel different to grief we might have experienced in the past and many people tell us they feel isolated and alone during this time.
"Baby Loss Awareness Week is an opportunity for anyone touched by baby loss to come together, share experiences and remind those affected by baby loss that they are not alone. There is a wide range of support available including Northamptonshire's Maternal Loss Psychology Service. This service offers psychological interventions to people whose mental health is impacted by the loss of their baby or pregnancy beyond what is expected from grief. This can include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or severe anxiety. If you or someone you know needs help following baby loss, please reach out to services who will be able to work with you to find the right service to meet your needs.
"Please do drop-by and speak to us on Wednesday 15 October if you can, we will be at Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital. This is an opportunity to have an informal chat and learn more about services available in Northamptonshire. There's no need to book and we would love to meet you. Our friendly team is here to listen, guide, and help."
In this video, Trudy Robertson, Senior Psychological Therapist, talks about the range of services and treatments available for people experiencing mental health issues in relation to baby loss:
In this video, Dr Helen Stacey, Senior Clinical Psychologist, shares insight into what people can experience during pregnancy after previous baby loss. This can range from excitement and hope, to fear and panic.
Other events supporting Baby Loss Awareness Week
Other events happening around Northamptonshire to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week include:
Sunday 12th October - Northamptonshire Sands Light of Love Service
This is a special memorial service to remember babies, say their names and light a candle in their memory. All are welcome.
This service is taking place on Sunday 12th October at 5pm at St Peter & St Paul's Church, Park Avenue South, Northampton, NN3 3AB.
If you require further details please contact Northamptonshire Sands Support Group on 07907 836 050.
Wednesday 15th October - Wave of Light, Kettering
This special service is an opportunity to light a candle in memory of all babies gone too soon. All are welcome. The event takes place on Wednesday 15th October at 6.30pm at Church of St Peter and St Paul, Market Place, Kettering, NN16 0AL.
If you require further details please contact angie@peterandpaul.org.uk
For more information about the Maternal Loss Psychology Service visit: www.nhft.nhs.uk/maternal-loss