We provide emotional and practical support to families experiencing the loss of their baby.
Our team
The maternity bereavement team is a small team, we offer care and support for women and their families at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital following mid trimester miscarriage, stillbirth and babies who have sadly died shortly after birth.
The team will offer ongoing practical, emotional support and information in the weeks and months following the loss of a baby. This support will guide families through some of the choices, which are required such as registration requirements, information relating to funerals and any tests undertaken on the mother and baby (such as a post mortem examination). We continue to care for families after their loss and offer follow up care with a doctor to discuss any tests, results and ongoing plans and concerns for a future pregnancy. The team also provides information about local and national support groups. We also provide a counselling service, offering initially up to three sessions and further sessions on an individual basis.
▶ Bereavement care
Bereavement Suite
We have a dedicated bereavement suite, the Daffodil Suite located on the labour ward on a separate corridor. The Daffodil Suite provides a sofa bed, bathroom, toilet and facilities for making drinks.
Occasionally, care may be provided in an alternative room due to capacity and safety on the labour ward.
Some families will choose to spend a short time in hospital with their baby whereas others may wish to spend longer. Partners are supported to stay and your close family and friends are welcome. All families are offered the opportunity to spend time with their baby at home. The bereavement team are experienced in supporting families with the practicalities of this.
▶ Memory making
Our hospital offers a range of memory making opportunities, which includes photographs, memory boxes, inkless hand / footprints and clay imprints. Memory boxes are donated from the charity 4Louis.
Our hospital also works with many other charities providing memory making opportunities to families, please ask the specialist bereavement midwives for further details.
We are also able to offer Ibraheem's Gift packs containing the immediate necessities that parents may need to help them prepare for their baby's Muslim burial.
Many families supported by our hospital have told us how thankful they were to spend time with their baby, bathing, dressing and making memories.
▶ Clothing
We have a range of hats, clothing, nappies, Moses’ baskets and blankets available for babies from 12 weeks' gestation. Many of these items have been kindly donated by local volunteers in the community.
Remembering your baby
▶ Memory Day Service
Our hospital holds an annual Memory Day in October around the time of Baby Loss Awareness Week. Many parents find this is a helpful way of remembering their baby, along with other parents who have shared a similar experience.
▶ Baby loss awareness week
Our hospital participates in the annual baby loss awareness week by raising awareness, lighting candles and remembering each precious baby.
▶ Pastoral care
Our hospital’s chaplaincy team provides pastoral and religious care to patients and their families. Whatever your circumstances or beliefs, you may find that you would value the opportunity to talk with someone in confidence about your feelings or thoughts. You do not have to be "religious" to talk to a chaplain. Our chaplaincy team are committed to care for each individual and to respect all people regardless of race, religion, creed or belief, gender, disability, culture or lifestyle.
Our chaplaincy team are also able to provide a religious or non-religious naming ceremony or blessing for babies. Please talk to the midwife caring for you or the specialist bereavement midwives if you would like a blessing or naming ceremony for your baby.
▶ Pregnant following the loss of a baby?
Our bereavement midwives also support families in future pregnancies after a pregnancy loss. Please contact the service on:
- 01932 722879 or
- email:
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We work closely with the multi-disciplinary team including midwives, ultra sound department, obstetric consultants and together we ensure that women and their families are accompanied with clinical expertise, understanding and compassion throughout their pregnancy.
Our services
Specialist Bereavement Midwives
(Monday - Friday, 08:00 am - 16:00 pm)
Tel: 01932 722879
For urgent queries:
Call A Midwife: 0300 123 5473
Further support
- SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society)
- Child Bereavement UK
- Tommy's
- Saying Goodbye
- The Lullaby Trust
- The Twins Trust
- Aching Arms
- ARC
Information leaflets
