Support after baby loss in Northamptonshire | Our latest updates

For many people, the loss of a baby is one of the most difficult experiences they will ever face. Whether that loss happens during pregnancy, at birth, or shortly afterwards, the impact can be profound and long-lasting.  

Baby Loss Awareness Week is an opportunity to remember the babies who have died, acknowledge the experiences of bereaved families, and help people understand that support is available.  

Everyone's experience of baby loss is unique. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and people can be affected in different ways emotionally, physically and psychologically. While some people may find their feelings become more manageable over time, others may experience ongoing difficulties that affect their mental health and wellbeing.  

At Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), our Maternal Loss Psychology Service and specialist maternal mental health midwives provide specialist psychological interventions for women and birthing people who need additional help following baby loss.  

What is the emotional impact of baby loss?  

The emotional impact of losing a baby can vary significantly from person to person. Some people may experience feelings of :  

• Sadness  

• Anxiety  

• Guilt  

• Anger  

• Numbness   

• Isolation  

Others may find that their loss affects relationships, confidence, future family planning, or day-to-day life.  

In some cases, the impact of baby loss can lead to moderate to severe mental health difficulties that may benefit from specialist support.  

Specialist psychological support following baby loss  

NHFT's Maternal Loss Psychology Service (MLPS) provides specialist assessment and psychological interventions for women and birthing people across Northamptonshire who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties related to baby loss.  

The service supports people who have experienced:  

• Repeated miscarriage  

• Stillbirth  

• Ectopic pregnancy  

• Other baby losses, including termination for medical reasons  

The service accepts referrals for women and birthing people who are currently pregnant and have experienced baby loss in the past and are experiencing mental health difficulties relating to the loss of their baby or pregnancy as well as those who are not currently pregnant and have experienced baby loss within the previous 12 months and are experiencing mental health difficulties relating to the loss of their baby or pregnancy.  

Support is tailored to individual needs and may include a range of psychological approaches designed to help people process their experiences and manage the emotional impact of their loss.  

Pregnancy after baby loss  

Becoming pregnant again after losing a baby can bring many different emotions.  

Alongside hope and excitement, many people experience anxiety, fear and uncertainty throughout a subsequent pregnancy. Appointments, scans and milestones can feel particularly challenging, and some people report feeling unable to relax or enjoy their pregnancy because of what they have experienced.  

These feelings are common and understandable. F or some people these feelings have a significant impact on their mental health and they may need to access a specialist service  

Support from specialist maternal mental health midwives  

Alongside psychological support, specialist maternal mental health midwives provide practical and emotional support for people navigating pregnancy after baby loss.  

The midwives work closely with families to understand their individual needs and can help make appointments and hospital visits feel more manageable.  

Support can include developing an antenatal passport to help avoid repeatedly having to explain difficult experiences, facilitating hospital tours, supporting birth preferences discussions, and offering postnatal reviews. The specialist midwives act as advocates for families, helping them feel heard, understood and supported throughout their care.  

How to access the service  

Baby Loss Awareness Week reminds us of the importance of talking openly about baby loss and ensuring that those affected know where to turn for help.  

If you are struggling following the loss of a baby, support is available, and you do not have to face your experience alone.