Baby loss service sheet.jpgA memorial service was held in Carlisle earlier this month to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

The week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss. 

Landmarks in Carlisle – including the Civic Centre and former Citadel buildings - were lit up in pink and blue to mark the week.

Andrea Ewing, Specialist Midwife in Pregnancy Loss/Bereavement at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week culminates with the global wave of light which is held every year on  October 15 where families across the world can light a candle at 7pm and leave it burning for at least one hour to remember all babies that have died too soon.”

A service was held at the chapel in Carlisle Cemetery and families who suffered a pregnancy of baby loss over the last couple of years were invited.

Andrea said: “During the service families can write a message on a tag to be hung on our ‘tree of light’. The tree will stay in the hospital chapel until the end of October so that parents and staff can visit it and place their own message on the tree as many families have suffered a pregnancy/baby/child loss. 

“We invite anyone who has lost a baby, child or had a miscarriage or any pregnancy loss to visit our tree of light in the chapel.”

Andrea added: “This year I would like to thank Collin and Jayne for allowing us to use the Chapel at the Carlisle cemetery. Also, thank you to the hospital chaplains, Eleanor and Rashid, for their input at the service. I would also like to thank Laura Bell for all her hard work before and during the service and coordinating the lighting up the landmarks to raise awareness." 

A similar service – for west Cumbrian families - will be held at St Johns Church in Hensingham, Whitehaven, on November 24 at 7pm.

If anyone suffering a baby loss would like support from the pregnancy loss or chaplaincy team contact 01228 814215.