Maternity Bereavement

If you are on this webpage because your baby has died, either before or after birth, we are so sorry for your loss.

At NGH we have a designated maternity bereavement service to provide support for families at this extremely difficult time, the death of a baby is a devastating experience for any family.

Bereavement support is provided by a small team of 2 specialist midwives and a bereavement support worker. A bereavement midwife will be on duty in the hospital Monday-Friday 08.30-16.30 and will hope to meet with you whilst you are in hospital. After you are discharged, they will offer telephone contact and home visits.

There is a bereavement midwife available for telephone support Monday- Sunday between 08.30-16.30 if needed. The bereavement support worker is on duty 3 days a week Monday to Friday (these days are variable).

Families may go through a range of complex emotions, as grief is intensely personal and only the grieving person knows how they are feeling. Our mission is to ensure each family feels supported and guided at this difficult time. We are here to help parents and families as they try to navigate the practical and emotional challenges that they may encounter. Alongside the labour ward midwives, we aim to support parents in hospital to make positive and tangible memories with their baby, if they choose to.

Advice and support in subsequent pregnancies can also be offered.

Baby Loss Awareness Week 

Baby Loss Awareness Week – Break the silence around baby loss (babyloss-awareness.org) takes place between 9–15 October each year and offers an opportunity to bring people who have been affected by baby loss together as a community, so that they know that they're not alone.

Remembrance Services

The hospital, in conjunction with the Northamptonshire Sands group, holds bi-annual remembrance services. Details for these will be available via Northamptonshire Sands. Many parents like to remember their baby, alongside other parents who have shared a similar experience.

About the team

Rachel Surl and Rachel Moss are dedicated bereavement midwives who have made a significant impact in the field of perinatal care and support for families experiencing loss. With their combined expertise and compassion, they have provided invaluable guidance and comfort to countless individuals during the most challenging moments of their lives. Their contributions have been further complemented by the unwavering support of Jane Reader, a dedicated bereavement midwife support worker.

You can contact the team below:

Telephone: 07920 505202 or 01604 544777

Email: bereavementmidwives.ngh@nhs.net 

Links to external support charities:

• Sands – www.uk-sands.org
• Northamptonshire Sands – www.northamptonshiresands.org
  Helpline – 07907 836050
• Saying Goodbye – www.sayinggoodbye.org
  
• ARC – www.arc-uk.org

Daisy Suite Appeal

Northamptonshire Health Charity are proud to be supporting Northampton General Hospital with a fundraising appeal to enhance the current facilities that provide the emotional as well as practical care and support for families who experience the devastating loss of a baby. Find out more about the Daisy Suite Appeal here