Baby Loss Awareness Week 2022 (9-15 October)

By Jessica Kraja – Legal Director, Weightmans & the pro-parent group (EDI Committee)

“A time for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together, to remember our much-loved and missed babies, and raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss”

 Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) runs from 9-15 October this year and is an opportunity for those who have been touched by pregnancy and baby loss to share their experiences in a safe space and to spread awareness for how baby loss touches everyone. This year is the 20^th anniversary of BLAW.

So many individuals and families are affected by pregnancy and baby loss. In fact, 1 in 4 people in the UK experience it. Often it is seen as a taboo subject, too difficult to talk about and impossible to understand. It is so vital that we all do what we can to raise awareness for pregnancy and baby loss in as many ways as we can, to encourage and help those around us who may be suffering, often in silence.

During BLAW, families from all over the world commemorate the lives of their babies and share memories. The week also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss, the importance of bereavement support and the vital work that is needed to improve pregnancy outcomes.

The week also sees more than 100 charities and partners coming together to play their part in the week.

There are many ways you can get involved in BLAW. Here is how you can get involved this year:

• All across the UK, buildings and landmarks are being lit in pink and blue throughout the week to raise awareness.
• The “Wave of Light” – on 15 October 2022 at 7pm, light a candle and leave it burning for at least an hour to remember all babies that have died too soon. Post photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag “WaveOfLight. This event is also running on Zoom this year, hosted by the Miscarriage Association.
• Take part in the Sands Ribbon Run on 15 October 2022 (a virtual run) and raise money for a baby loss charity of your choice.

Resources:

Baby Loss Awareness Week

Sands

Miscarriage Association

Tommys