A Dads perspective on the importance of memory making
By Nick Hill, Leo’s Daddy
Compassionate care is essential for bereaved families, offering comfort and support during their most challenging times. Providing a higher level of compassionate care helps families feel understood and supported.
Memory making is vital for grieving families. It allows them to create cherished memories and spend precious time with their loved ones, making a profound difference to their wellbeing in the short and long term.
We lost our Leo when he was born on 13th June which is only a few days off of Fathers Day. For me personally it’s one of the hardest days of the year, the time at which I feel the “void” hit me the most.
I am so so grateful to have my eldest daughter and our rainbow baby here now to fill me with love but I can never not feel like my son should be here sharing laughs and creating memories together, doing father and son experiences….
One thing I do heavily rely on around this time of year are the small amount of memories that I was able to create with Leo. We were at Broomfield hospital in the Blossom Suite and thankfully they had access to a CuddleCot.
It meant I could clean and dress my son. It meant we as a family could have our cuddles and kisses and I am forever grateful for having access to that. It made us feel like we weren’t rushed through the hospital doors after our loss, we were actually encouraged to spend as much time as we needed with Leo and this really helped us at the time.
To read more testimonials from parents click here.
To learn more about the CuddleCot click here.
To talk to our team about how we can help you achieve a higher level of compassionate care after death email: info@cuddlecot.com or call 08455 333561
Finding support after loss is incredibly important. Below are just some of the resources available to Dads.
To learn more about CuddleCot’s clinical led and evidence based bereavement care training, visit: cuddlecot.com/training
To talk to a qualified bereavement counsellor online for free visit: cuddlecot.com/grieving
Online Support Groups for Dads:
Sands Facebook Support group for dads – “A community of bereaved men, including dads, grandparents, brothers, and, uncles all helping each other through pregnancy and baby loss.”
Lily Mae – Dads and Grandads WhatsApp Groups – “If you would like to be a part of our Dad’s and Grandad’s Whatsapp Group get in contact with Matt at Matt.whitehouse@lilymaefoundation.org to be added and become a part of our Support group!”
4Louis – Tiny Footprints Brotherhood Online Support group for Dads, Grandads, Uncles and Brothers. First Saturday of every month. 10am Uk/7pm AEDT
Sad Dads – Online support group weekly and monthly (US) A safe, supportive community for dads and non-birthing parents.
Football teams:
4Louis FC Football team – “this isn’t just any football club – it’s a place where Dads, Grandads, Uncles, Brothers who have lost a child come together to find support and solace.” beacon of Light, Sunderland UK
Sands Football team – Sands United is a unique way for bereaved men to come together through a shared love of sport, find a support network, and feel at ease talking about their grief when they’re ready.
Podcasts for Dads:
Dads Still Standing podcast – “Award-winning podcast and bereavement support for dads following the loss of a child.”
Still Parents Podcast – “A candid podcast. how do Dad’s tackle the train wreck of baby loss?”
Guys and Grief Podcast – “Supporting men that have experienced pregnancy or infant loss”
Miscarriage Dads – “Humanizing the experiences of miscarriage by normalizing dads openly talking about its impact on us as men and fathers.”