It's Baby Loss Awareness Week and our Bereavement Midwives, and other teams who support families affected by baby loss, are raising awareness and sharing how we support families.
Steph Evans is one of our Bereavement Midwives, and explains how her own experience of baby loss inspired her to become a midwife:
"As a bereaved mum myself of my own angel baby born at 26 weeks in 2001, Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) has always been very important to me. This year is even more special for me as I am not only part of the celebrations as a bereaved mum but also as a bereavement midwife.
Following my loss 21 years ago it was my ambition to become a bereavement midwife, the care I received during the worst time of my life was both inspiring and thought provoking. I wanted bereaved women and their families to receive the same amazing care that I received whilst having my baby and I wanted to be able to provide that care to others.
Following my loss in 2001 it took a further 10 years before I began my journey as a midwife as I decided to also study my nursing degree in 2007 and also went on to have my rainbow baby in 2002, a year after my loss and then a further baby seven years later in 2008 and another in 2018.
In 2013 I became a midwife. I worked hard for many years as primarily a community midwife and also a hospital midwife. I was privileged to care for many bereaved women and their families during this time and always aimed to give them the best care possible. When the position of bereavement midwife became available this year I was fortunate in securing the post. I am proud every day putting on my uniform and knowing that what I do as part of my role makes a difference (however small) to the families I care for.
This year I will be lighting a candle in remembrance of my angel baby Lucas but also being thankful that I am finally doing the best job in the world and hopefully providing the women and the families with the care and support that they need at such a difficult time.