Compassionate Care for Every Family
Reflections from the APPG on Baby Loss and Maternity
Last Monday, the Palace of Westminster hosted a powerful discussion on bereavement care in maternity, neonatal, and early pregnancy settings for the APPG meeting. Chaired by Andy MacNae MP, the session brought together Parliamentarians, NHS leaders, charities, campaigners, and families to explore how care for bereaved families can be improved and made consistent across the UK. Personal stories, expert insights, and passionate advocacy highlighted the urgent need for all NHS Trusts to deliver compassionate, equitable, and family-centred bereavement support.
The meeting highlighted the urgent need for all NHS Trusts to meet the standards of the National Bereavement Care Pathway (NBCP). Speakers, including Clea Harmer from Sands and Alicia Burnett, a midwife and campaigner, shared powerful insights into the realities of loss for families and the extraordinary dedication of bereavement midwives. They emphasised that compassionate care should be equitable, family-centred, and accessible to all, no matter the stage of pregnancy or location.
Families’ voices were central to the discussion. Chris Binnie shared how specialist midwives can transform grief journeys, while Ayesha Anandji Demetriou spoke about the gaps in support she experienced after losing her twins in early pregnancy. These personal stories underscored the importance of specialist support, cultural sensitivity, and memory-making opportunities, such as access to a CuddleCot, to give families precious time with their baby.
The session also celebrated progress, including the introduction of bereavement leave for all types of pregnancy loss and plans for a Taskforce on Maternity Safety and Bereavement Care chaired by Wes Streeting MP. Yet it was clear there is more work to do. Panelists called for mandatory bereavement care training, improved communication, and a stronger voice for specialist midwives in shaping policy and practice.
This event reminded us that compassionate, consistent bereavement care is not just a goal but a shared responsibility across Parliament, the NHS, and the charity sector. With continued collaboration and advocacy, every family can receive the care they deserve.
Families deserve care that listens, respects, and honours their loss. Together, we can make that a reality.
The meeting underscored that bereavement care is a shared responsibility. With continued collaboration between Parliament, the NHS, and the charity sector, we can ensure every family receives the support, dignity, and time they deserve. Compassionate care, consistent standards, and a commitment to listening to families can turn a painful experience into one where every life is honoured and every family is supported.
Contact CuddleCots bereavement consultant Sian Ness : sian.ness@cuddlecot.com
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