Grieving mum wants more to be done for baby loss

A mum who lost her baby girl in the 28th week of pregnancy wants more to be done to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW).

Adele Mann, who lives near Whittlesey in Cambridgeshire, had to terminate her pregnancy and say goodbye to Lottie on 23 August last year after a private scan detected a rare heart condition which concluded her chances of survival were slim.

Mrs Mann says she is disappointed to see a lack of remembrance events in the county to mark BLAW and has organised a ribbon display at the Garden of Rest in Whittlesey.

“I felt it was important for me that mums, dads and grandparents who have lost a baby have a chance, although very small but significant, to have a ribbon with their baby’s name on it,” she says.

BLAW is observed between 9 and 15 October each year and has been bringing bereaved families together to share their experiences for 22 years.

Mrs Mann, 36, shared her story of giving birth to Lottie at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.

“It was the most horrendous time, [but hospital staff] were so amazing and we can’t thank them enough," she says.

"We got to spend a day with her... cuddling her, making memories, footprints. It was dealt with with so much compassion.

“My husband and me carried her coffin… the hardest walk we have ever done."

She wants councils to do more to commemorate BLAW going forward.

“This week is not for bereaved parents because we remember our babies every day… how can we not? It’s for everybody else," she says.

“We have displays for Poppy Day and Remembrance Day and this is remembrance as well.

"If every town, every village had somewhere for parents to go there would be so many ribbons.”

Adele gave birth to Oliver 15 weeks ago and she believes he is Lottie’s gift to the family. She wants parents not to feel guilty for moving on.

She hopes her ribbon display will raise awareness for the Still and Neonatal Death charity (Sands) which supporting parents nationally.

“At the end of the day, babies would want us to be happy. And I would say that if you need help, reach out. There is nothing to be ashamed of,” she says.

In Peterborough, the cathedral has been lit up in blue and pink to commemorate BLAW and on Sunday a special service will be held to remember those who have experienced the loss of a child.

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