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New service for women who have suffered baby loss

Shariqua Ahmed / BBC A close-up of a fence with ribbons tied to it. The ribbons have been put on the fence by families who have suffered the loss of a baby. The ribbons have messages written on them. There is also an A4-sized poster in a plastic cover publicising Baby Loss Awareness Week. There is a lawn beyond the fence.Shariqua Ahmed / BBC
Baby Loss Awareness Week was held in October

A new service has been launched for women who have experienced the loss of a baby.

The Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service (PTLS) will offer assessment, psychological treatment and specialist midwifery support to those experiencing moderate, severe or complex mental health difficulties.

At first, PTLS will cover Cambridge and Ely. In 2025, it will be extended to Peterborough, Huntingdon and Fenland.

“We are proud to be opening to referrals and supporting women towards their recovery,” said Dr Zoe Rawlings, PTLS's principal clinical psychologist.

Supplied A head-and-shoulders picture of Dr Zoe Rawlings. She is smiling, has shoulder-length blond hair, glasses, and is wearing a pink cardigan and a colourful blouse. She has been photographed against a plain background.Supplied
Principal clinical psychologist Dr Zoe Rawlings says the service will provide "vital" support

“The loss of a baby is a devastating experience for many families.

“We have put a lot of thought into how best to support those who will be referred to our service, including getting the views of mothers with lived experience of losing a baby," she added.

Women can access PTLS via their GP or their health care professional.

According to figures from bereavement charity Sands, in the UK 13 families a day lose a baby before, during or shortly after birth. Fifteen per cent of pregnancies end in miscarriage.

PTLS has been launched by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.

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