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During this Baby Loss Awareness Week, it’s important to share the stories of people who have sadly lost their babies. Raising awareness of this and the support available will help families to know it’s okay to reach out for support. 

One local mum, Courtney Manning, has bravely shared her story to help others who may be going through a similar situation. 

Courtney said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week (9–15 October) holds a deeply personal significance for me and my family. In June 2023, we experienced the devastating loss of our son, Noah, just hours before reaching 21 weeks of pregnancy. The words, “I’m sorry, but there is no heartbeat,” continue to echo in my mind and heart.

Noah was our rainbow baby, following a previous loss in October 2022. From early on, he was full of life, his movements were strong and frequent, and even during his 20-week scan, he was so active that I had to return later that day to complete it. Everything appeared fine. Tragically, Noah passed away due to an infection I had unknowingly contracted during pregnancy. We were told he likely drifted off peacefully, without pain. While that offers some comfort, it does not lessen the heartbreak.

Noah was born sleeping at 10:28pm on 23rd June 2023 in the Butterfly Suite at Southend Hospital, surrounded by love from both his mummy and daddy. That day marked a profound shift in our lives.

The support we received from the Bereavement Team, as well as charities such as Sands and Tommy’s, was invaluable in helping us navigate this new and painful reality. Through them, I learned that we are not alone, 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss, a statistic that touches so many families, friends, and loved ones.

This is why Baby Loss Awareness Week is so important. Whether it’s been one year or 30, acknowledging the grief of those who have experienced loss can make a meaningful difference. You can show support by visiting Sands’ ribbon appeals across the country or by lighting a candle during the Wave of Light at 7pm on 15th October, in memory of the babies who left us too soon.

To anyone who has experienced loss: please know you are not alone. I see you, I stand with you, and you are in my thoughts during this Baby Loss Awareness Week.”

The Trust supports families with Bereavement midwives, it’s their job to make sure that every family who experiences the death of their baby feels surrounded by comfort, compassion and support through their journey.

Amanda Cushing, Bereavement Midwife at Southend Hospital said: “We all work hard as a team to offer individualised, supportive care to families in the very worst of times. In our role of bereavement midwives, we offer family centred bespoke care, with the aim of meeting all of family’s needs. 

“We help them to honour and spending time with their baby and ensuring that they can access all available support during the worst experience for any parent. This will include liaison with our wider hospital teams, and local funeral professionals and supporting them to make precious memories, take photos and to empower the family to make informed choices to help them care for their baby. 

“We are grateful to Courtney for sharing her story -we know that this will both raise awareness of the impact of baby loss and resonate with other bereaved families.”

• The Trust will be lighting up its hospitals and holding remembrance services across the week.
• Noah was taken into the care of Stibbards and Sons – they supported the family and continue to offer support – Stibbards and Sons are holding a Baby Loss Awareness eternal light service on Thursday 16 October in honour of the babies taken too soon.