Derry women affected by baby loss have spoken about the importance of Baby Loss Awareness Week and sharing their experiences and grief.
Joanne Henry, a deputy sister at the Waterside Hospital, wrote 'Memoirs of a Mad Mammy' as a guide for navigating pregnancy and baby loss.
Joanne spoke to MyDerry about the importance of talking about baby loss.
She said: "I think it is vital to acknowledge baby loss awareness as it will help break taboo around the subject. If people understand more about how it affects you and how they can support you then that is key to helping families and women through this harrowing time."
There has been a shift in recent times, with many celebrities coming out to discuss their own experiences, and Joanne welcomes discussion in removing the stigma around baby loss.
She said: "It warms my heart when I see how over the recent years raising awareness and opening up has become more prevalent. People are now feeling able to share their stories and organisations are trying to help inform society on this topic.
"Gone are the days when women were encouraged to move on, hide their grief and not mention out loud their losses for fear that it would make people feel uncomfortable.
"The response I still get from sharing my story on loss and pregnancy shows that things are changing and that it has opened up conversations within families. I am grateful that those women get to ease that burden of not talking about their loss. They feel supported and strong enough to share.
"I love that people are sharing their stories on social media and through books like mine. I devoured any literature I could find when I was in that dark place. I wanted stories of hope from women that had gone through what I had. Seeing this grow gives me hope that things can only get better."
While awareness is increasing, there is still work to be done within healthcare services to provide women with the support that they need at this difficult time.
Joanne said: "Improvements are happening but I still get many messages from women who are being let down by our health service. This needs to change. Women are on long waiting lists for counselling. Maternal health like mental health is still seen as less important in the health service. This needs to change."
Erin Sharkey, a worker for Miscarriage Association, also spoke about the importance of talking about baby loss.
She said: "It is vital to acknowledge Baby Loss Awareness Week. Families often have little effective support during the loss of a baby. This week is a time where people can come together and support each other.
"No two losses are the same, but often they bring feelings of anger, confusion, guilt and despair. Many feel quite isolated and lonely, like no one can quite understand how they feel. They wonder will they ever feel 'normal' again.
"Similarly, friends and family often feel helpless and confused, not knowing how o support or care for those going through this loss. Baby Loss Awareness Week can help bring closure and help people to begin coming to terms with their grief.
"Baby Loss Awareness Week is a week where bereaved parents can share stories, support each other and come together in shared experiences, lessening the isolation of those grieving."
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