Most people who know someone affected by pregnancy loss or baby loss in Wales want advice on how to start conversations sensitively (71%), according to a survey published today (Monday 17 June).
The survey by the charity Sands, which works to save babies' lives and support bereaved families, has been published, as Cardiff prepares to host a Babies Remembrance Service, supported by Sands.
The service takes place at 11.30am on Sunday 30 June at the ‘Dear Mum' garden at Western Cemetery in Ely, CF5 5TG. You can find out more from Bereavement Services on 029 2054 4820.
Sands has launched its Finding the Words campaign today, at the start of its annual Sands Awareness Week, to help everyone feel more confident to start these important conversations.
A quarter (25%) of people surveyed in Wales who had been personally affected by pregnancy or baby loss, said they felt like they or their baby didn't matter when no one asked them about what had happened.
Those parents who did have the opportunity to talk about their loss said they felt relieved to be able to talk about what happened (55%), that they and their baby mattered (32%), and that 'a weight had been lifted off my shoulders' (31%).
Sands' chief executive Clea Harmer said: "Talking to someone about pregnancy loss or the death of their baby can sometimes feel difficult, and you might be worried about saying the wrong thing. But bereaved parents tell us that when friends, family and colleagues reach out and connect, it lets them know they aren't alone with their grief. It can be as simple as saying 'I'm so sorry, would you like to talk about your baby?'
"The good news is that pregnancy and baby loss is no longer a taboo subject in the way it once was. We are now seeing the subject being featured in storylines on TV soap operas. Celebrities and social media influencers are using their platforms to talk about their experiences, and many more bereaved parents feel able to openly share about their losses on social media. This all helps to break the silence. However, we know this is not the same for everyone. There are still barriers to talking about pregnancy and baby loss."
When asked to think about people they knew who had experienced pregnancy or baby loss, most people in Wales said they had felt confident talking to a partner (71%) family (65%) or a friend (65%) about their loss.
However, less than half (41%) said they had been confident talking to a work colleague, and under a third (26%) when this was someone they knew in their local community.
Worryingly, more than one in ten people (17%) said they were not very confident or didn't have the confidence at all to talk to their own partner about pregnancy loss or the death of their baby.
When asked to choose from multiple reasons why they found it hard to start a conversation about someone's loss, the most common reason people gave was because they were worried about upsetting the person affected (62%).
But most bereaved parents in Wales (72%) said they did want to talk about what had happened.
Through its Finding the Words campaign, Sands is sharing advice and support so more people can start these important conversations. You can find out more here.
Comments