Baby Loss Awareness Week ( BLAW) raises awareness how pregnancy and baby loss affects thousands every year. This is it’s 20th year. It is a time for bereaved parents and their families and friends to commemorate their babies lives. Many Charities work to raise awareness of the issues affecting those who have lost a pregnancy or baby/babies. Baby loss awareness week starts 9th October – 15th October 2022 and is an annual event. Whilst raising public awareness is important, it will mean that there will be increased social media activity and this can be very difficult to read/see at at time when you are grieving yourself. There is support available from many charities and support groups that are accessible to all.
Each year BLAW has a theme. ‘Stepping Stones’ is the theme this year. The Miscarriage Association https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk explains how it will touch on the journey and path that pregnancy/baby loss can take you and to ensure that everyone knows they are not alone and someone is available to support them at every step of the way.
Baby loss awareness started in 2002 on October 15th. It was introduced by a small group of parents who had experienced pregnancy and baby loss. It started as a day of remembrance and was inspired by the United States.
In 2003, the day expanded into a week, and the 1st official ” Wave of light” was held. The Wave of light is held on 15th October at 7pm, and internationally; parents, families and friends are invited to light a candle and leave it burning for at least an hour in memory of their loss/losses. Thousands will light a candle and share pictures of their candles on social media, to create a ‘ Wave of Light.’ #wave if light. There may be local Wave of Light services or events locally to you. Here are some of the baby loss events locally in Somerset.
Friday 14th October – memorial service in Taunton
Saturday 15th October – Wave Of Light, Bridgwater
Towards Tomorrow Together host their annual memorial service at St Mary’s Church, Bridgwater from 6.30pm. Tickets must be booked at https://towards-tomorrow.com/2022/10/03/join-us-for-the-wave-of-light-memorial-service/
Saturday 15th October – Snowdrop Baby Loss Service, Yeovil
Join The Snowdrop Group, Yeovil Sands at St James’s Church, Preston Road Yeovil from 7pm to remember your baby.
You will also be able to visit Musgrove and Yeovil District Hospitals at 7pm to light candles informally if you wish to.
In 2004, other charities and support groups, including The Miscarriage Association, The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices), SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) and babyloss.com became involved and supported Baby Loss Awareness Week ( BLAW2022).
The charity SANDS is one of the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charities in the UK. In 2010 they led in promoting the week. They not only work to reduce the number of babies dying but offer support and work to ensure everyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best care. https://www.sands.org.uk/about-sands
SANDS enable you to dedicate a pink and blue ribbon ( they were introduced by BLAW in 2006). The ribbon can be dedicated on SANDS virtual memory tree. Buildings and landmarks throughout communities are lit up in pink and blue to raise awareness during the week of Baby Loss Awareness.
1 in 4 women in the UK will lose a baby during pregnancy or birth. If pregnancy loss has not touched you personally, there is a high chance one of your friends or family may have experienced a loss.