Baby Loss: Offering Compassion, Breaking the Silence

At Imaginatal, we know that pregnancy is often a journey filled with hope, anticipation, and joy. But for some families, that journey takes a heartbreaking turn. Baby loss — whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or termination for medical reasons — is a devastating reality that touches many lives, often in silence.

Understanding Baby Loss

Baby loss can happen at any stage of pregnancy or shortly after birth. In the UK:
• Around 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
• More than 2,500 babies are stillborn each year.
• Thousands of families experience neonatal loss.

These numbers are not just statistics — they represent families grieving futures they had imagined, and babies whose lives, however brief, hold profound meaning.

The Silent Grief

For many parents, the pain of baby loss can feel invisible. Because society often struggles to talk about pregnancy and baby loss openly, families may experience feelings of loneliness or isolation alongside their grief.

At Imaginatal, we believe that silence should never compound heartbreak. Every loss deserves acknowledgement, every story matters, and every family deserves support.

Supporting Someone Through Baby Loss

If someone close to you has experienced baby loss, your support can make a meaningful difference. Here are some gentle ways to help:
• Acknowledge their loss – A simple “I’m so sorry for your loss” can validate their grief.
• Listen without rushing – Allow them to share at their own pace without trying to “fix” the situation.
• Be mindful of milestones – Dates such as due dates or anniversaries can be especially painful.
• Avoid clichés – Well-meaning phrases like “everything happens for a reason” can feel dismissive.

You Are Not Alone

If you have been affected by baby loss, please know that your grief is valid, and support is available. Trusted organisations include:
• Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity): sands.org.uk
• Tommy’s: tommys.org
• The Miscarriage Association: miscarriageassociation.org.uk

At Imaginatal, we honour every family’s journey and recognise the depth of every loss. Your baby matters, your story matters, and your grief deserves compassion.

✨ If you would like to talk to us about sensitive care following loss, our team is here to listen and support you with compassion.