Support after the loss of a baby or child

A lit candle held in the palm of someone's hands

Find information about bereavement support services after the loss of a child.

Bereavement support services (NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire)

Very sadly, some babies are lost during pregnancy, birth or shortly afterwards, and some children do pass away during their childhood. This can be a heart-breaking and challenging reality for families.

We are very sorry if you find yourself here due to experiencing such loss. Wider support from professionals and the local community may be helpful during this time and beyond.

Across the three healthcare trusts there is various support available, which your health professional should be able to signpost to.

For more information, visit:

Find more support on Your Notts Directory in our Miscarriage Listings

Bereavement services directory (NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire)

When a family experiences a baby loss during or soon after pregnancy, or following the loss of a child, there are many organisations available to offer support.

NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) have put together a directory of services and support organisations both local and national to help local families know what is on offer.

Download the Bereavement Services Directory (NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire) [PDF]

Alternatively, you can download this directory, and find more useful advice, on the Maternity page of the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire's website

Local support

The following are some local organisations in Nottinghamshire that can offer you support.

Forever stars

East Midlands charity dedicated to supporting families who've suffered a stillbirth or infant loss. Based in Beeston.

Visit the Foreverstars charity website

Zephyr's

Zephyr's charity provide nurturing support for bereaved parents and families after a pregnancy loss, or the death of a child. Based in Nottingham.

Visit the Zephyr's charity website

Maternity and Neonatal Community Voices Partnership

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) listens to the experiences of women and families, bringing together service users, staff and others to plan, review and improve maternity and neonatal care.

More information, go to Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership - NHS (Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB)

National support

Tommy’s

Tommy’s are a national charity who believe that every baby lost is one too many. They provide trusted pregnancy and baby loss information and support.

Visit the Tommy's charity website

Sands

Sands works to support anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. It is a safe place for you to grieve and to find support, whether you are a parent, sibling, grandparent, NHS professional or friend.

Visit the Sands charity website

National Child Mortality Database (NCMD)

The National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) is a UK-based programme providing evidence, guidance and support to families and professionals following the death of a child. Their guide for parents and carers, can be downloaded, helping parents and professionals through sad and difficult issues.

Download, When a Child Dies Leaflet - NCMD [PDF]

For further support, go to About the NCMD - (National Child Mortality Database)

Miscarriage Association

The Miscarriage Association offers support and information to anyone affected by the loss of a baby in pregnancy, and to raise awareness and to promote good practice in medical care.

Go to Pregnancy Loss Information and Support (Miscarriage Association)

Antenatal Results and Choices

Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) charity support parents and families who have lost a baby after a prenatal diagnosis.

Go to Our bereavement support (ARC)

Bereavement support (The Lullaby Trust)

The Lullaby Trust offers confidential support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child.

Bereavement support after the death of a baby or child (The Lullaby Trust)

Saying Goodbye (The Mariposa Trust)

A range of comprehensive support options via six divisions, to provide the support people need at the time they need it most. The charity also supports anyone who is grieving the fact that they have not been able to have children, for whatever reason that may be.

Saying Goodbye - support for miscarriage and baby and infant loss (The Mariposa Trust)

Bereavement support resources (SUDC UK)

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) UK offer bereavement support and guidance, and community events for families of any child, aged 1 to 18, who has died suddenly with no immediately apparent cause.

Go to Bereavement Support Resources (SUDC UK)

Baby loss guide book

The Baby Loss Guide written by one of the world’s leading baby loss support experts, Zoe Clark-Coates.

The Baby Loss Guide is designed to help you navigate this complex issue. Whether you have personally encountered loss, or are supporting people through, this book provides practical and compassionate advice.

Learn about The Baby Loss Guide - a book by Zoë Clark-Coates MBE

Health for under 5's

Miscarriage and pregnancy loss - Health Under 5s (healthforunder5s.co.uk) (opens in new tab)