From loss to hope: Family praises Northumbria Healthcare's bereavement midwives 

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is marking Baby Loss Awareness Week by recognising the dedication and compassion of its specialist bereavement midwives, whose support helps families navigate pregnancy after loss.

For one family, that support proved invaluable as they embarked on the journey of welcoming their rainbow baby, Ruby.

Following a previous loss, Hope and Luke accessed support from Northumbria Healthcare's bereavement midwifery team throughout a subsequent pregnancy. Regular contact with bereavement midwives Jenny Gregory and Nira Flanighan helped provide reassurance and continuity of care during what can often be an anxious and emotional time.

As well as offering emotional support, the team provided regular check-ins, additional scans and personalised care to help the family feel supported throughout their pregnancy journey.

Reflecting on their experience, Hope and Luke said: "After our first phone call, we realised just how much support we needed and how difficult we were finding things. Looking back, we don't know how we would have got through our pregnancy without Jenny and Nira. They were there whenever we needed them, providing reassurance, kindness and compassion every step of the way. Their support meant the world to us and helped us navigate our journey to welcoming our rainbow baby girl, Ruby."

The family also praised the wider maternity team at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, including staff in the birthing centre and on Ward 16, for the care, kindness and compassion they received throughout labour and the early days of parenthood.

Katy Lissaman, head of maternity at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust  said: "Baby loss is a devastating experience that can have a lifelong impact on families, and we know that a subsequent pregnancy can bring a complex mix of emotions. Our bereavement midwives play a vital role in supporting parents through that journey, providing compassionate, personalised care and reassurance when it is needed most.

"The relationships they build with families can make a profound difference, helping parents feel listened to, understood and supported. During Baby Loss Awareness Week, we want to recognise the incredible dedication of our bereavement midwives and all of our maternity colleagues who work tirelessly to provide outstanding care to families experiencing baby loss and those navigating pregnancy after loss."

Northumbria Healthcare's bereavement midwifery service offers specialist support to families who experience the loss of a baby, as well as ongoing care during future pregnancies.

As Baby Loss Awareness Week shines a light on the experiences of bereaved families, stories such as this demonstrate the lasting impact that compassionate support and continuity of care can have, helping families move forward with hope while ensuring their loss is never forgotten.