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Sharing is Caring
"Sharing is caring" was something a little boy once told me while fundraising with us for the Colour Run in 2017. When I began thinking about a title for this piece, I immediately saw his little face smiling back at me. He was taking part in memory of his angel siblings, the son of one of our volunteers at the time, and those simple words have stayed with me ever since.
They came to mind again when I read the Royal Family's Baby Loss Awareness Week posts, particularly when they shared support organisations and contact information on their official social media platforms. It reminded me how important it is when those with influential voices use them to raise awareness, offer support, and help bereaved families feel seen.
It was deeply moving to see the Prince and Princess of Wales join the global #WaveOfLight on 15th October, marking the close of Baby Loss Awareness Week by sharing an image of a candle burning in remembrance of babies gone too soon. Their gesture stood in solidarity with bereaved families across the world and helped shine a light on an experience that too many parents endure in silence.
On a personal note, I had actually purchased the very same candle for a friend. Seeing it featured in their tribute warmed my heart, knowing how much it would mean to her too. Small acts of remembrance can bring great comfort, and it is often the simplest gestures that remind grieving families that their babies are remembered.
The Royal Family's support is particularly meaningful because baby loss has also touched members of their own family. Like so many families around the world, they have experienced the pain and heartbreak that follows the loss of a much-loved baby. We also know that throughout history, the monarchy has endured its own experiences of pregnancy, baby, and child loss.
The Duchess of Edinburgh experienced an ectopic pregnancy, while Zara and Mike Tindall have spoken openly about their experiences of miscarriage. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, also courageously shared her own story of pregnancy loss, helping to break the silence surrounding a subject that has too often remained hidden behind closed doors.
The history of baby and child loss within the monarchy stretches back many centuries. In 1503, Queen Elizabeth of York died following complications after the birth of her daughter, Princess Katherine, who tragically survived for only eight days. Queen Anne endured numerous pregnancies and devastating infant losses throughout her life. Henry, Duke of Cornwall, the first son of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, was celebrated as the long-awaited heir to the throne but sadly died at just 52 days old.
Across royal estates, churches, cathedrals, and memorial sites, there are special places dedicated to remembering little ones who went before their families. Acts of remembrance have existed throughout history because love does not end when a life is brief. We have included photographs of some of the royal memorials and places of remembrance that honour precious babies and children who are gone too soon.
The willingness of public figures to speak openly about pregnancy and baby loss helps to challenge stigma, encourage conversation, and remind grieving parents that they are not alone. Every story shared, every candle lit, and every act of remembrance helps acknowledge the lives of babies and children who are loved beyond measure and remembered every single day.
As a community, we are grateful when influential voices stand alongside bereaved families. Awareness creates understanding, understanding creates compassion, and compassion helps ensure that no parent has to walk this journey feeling invisible or alone.
Baby and child loss does not discriminate. It reaches across all communities, backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Whether a family lives their grief publicly or privately, the love for their child and the pain of losing them are universal. When respected voices share their support or their own experiences, they help create the awareness, understanding, and compassion that bereaved families so desperately need.
Every baby matters.
Every life matters.
Every family matters.
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"Sharing is caring." Sometimes, those three simple words can help change the world for a grieving family. By sharing stories, support, remembrance, and understanding, we make sure that babies and children who are deeply loved are never forgotten, and that no family has to carry their loss alone. 🩷🩵🕯️
Have You Signed Our Petition?
Every year on 15th October, families across the UK join millions around the world in remembering babies who were loved, wanted, and sadly gone too soon.
We are calling for 15th October to be officially recognised as a National Day of Remembrance for Pregnancy and Infant Loss in the UK. A dedicated national day would help acknowledge the lives of babies who have died, recognise the lifelong impact on families, and demonstrate that their babies will never be forgotten.
Thousands of people have already added their names in support, but we need thousands more to help our voices be heard. If this cause touches your heart, whether through personal experience, supporting a loved one, or simply believing that every baby matters, please take a moment to sign and share our petition.
Together, we can ask the UK Government to formally recognise a day of remembrance for the many babies who are forever loved and forever missed.
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Please SIGN and SHARE:
Every signature matters. Every share matters. Every baby matters. 🩷
Lou 🩷🩵🕯️
Baby Loss Mum & Advocate
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