Baby Loss Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness on pregnancy and baby loss, and recognise the profound impact on individuals, partners and families. For nurses, it is also a time to reflect on how our communication and care can support families during one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

Pregnancy loss includes miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirth and neonatal death. Every experience is unique, and grief does not follow a predictable pathway. Although nurses cannot take away the pain or make things better, we can deliver compassionate, individualised care to help families feel heard, respected and supported.

The importance of compassionate care:

The words and actions of healthcare professionals often remain with families long after they leave hospital and for this sensitive, well thought out communication is essential. Nurses should acknowledge the loss, avoid assumptions about how someone feels, and allow time for questions and decisions wherever clinically possible.
Simple actions can make a meaningful difference: protecting privacy, explaining procedures, listening without judgement and acknowledging the baby and the family’s grief.

The Sands Communication e-learning module advises that nurses avoid phrases such as “at least it was early” or “you can try again”, which unintentionally minimise the loss. The module recommends phrases such as “I’m so sorry this has happened” or “I’m here to listen if you would like to talk.”

Care should recognise partners and family members while respecting the needs and wishes of the person receiving treatment. Appropriate follow-up is equally important, including information about physical recovery, future pregnancies and emotional support.

Improving miscarriage care: Tommy’s Graded Model

Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research developed the Graded Model of Miscarriage Care to promote more consistent assessment and support, recognising that patients should not have to experience three miscarriages before their needs are considered. The model proposes increasing levels of care according to miscarriage history. Following a first miscarriage, patients receive information, emotional support and discussion of relevant risk factors. After two losses, further assessment and access to nurse- or midwife-led early pregnancy care are proposed. Following three losses, consultant-led assessment and more advanced investigations may be offered.
Pilot research at Birmingham Women’s Hospital identified potential benefits in recognising miscarriage risk factors and treatable conditions. The model highlights the importance of early intervention, equitable access to investigations and appropriate follow-up after pregnancy loss.

Nurses can support this approach by providing evidence-based information, advocating for patients and ensuring they understand available support and referral pathways.

This Baby Loss Awareness Month, nurses can help ensure no family feels their loss is insignificant or that they must navigate grief alone. Every loss matters, every family deserves compassionate care, and every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference.

Useful resources:

• Tommy’s: Baby loss support offers information and support for families.
• Tommy’s Miscarriage Support Tool: Access the tool for personalised information following miscarriage.
• Tommy’s Graded Model: Explore the model.
• Miscarriage UK (formerly the Miscarriage Association): Visit the website for information, emotional support and resources for healthcare professionals.
• This Baby Loss Awareness Month, nurses can help ensure no family feels their loss is insignificant or that they must navigate grief alone. Every loss matters, every family deserves compassionate care, and every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference.
• SANDS Healthcare professionals: Pregnancy and baby loss bereavement care.

References

• Tommy’s. The Graded Model of Miscarriage Care. Research and information.
• Tommy’s. Baby loss support. Information and resources.
• Miscarriage UK. Information and support.
• SANDS Free NHS training