Honeysuckle Bereavement Leaflets

The leaflet is detailed below, or you can download the 'Honeysuckle Team - General Patient Information Leaflet' leaflet in PDF.

The Honeysuckle Team are the dedicated baby bereavement team at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. 

The Team’s office is open Monday – Friday 8am-4pm, contact either by phone 0151 702 4151 or email honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk

The Honeysuckle Team offer practical advice and information, explain the formalities involved and guide families through the choices they must make.

Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust has a special remembrance garden located in the courtyard behind main reception. Within the garden there is a metal love lock tree where families have placed special locks in memory of a loved one. If you would like to order a lock please visit Ladybugs Picnic Wirral

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LadybugsPicnicWirral  

The Honeysuckle Team run ongoing support sessions and events. For up to date information regarding Honeysuckle ongoing support please visit Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust website Honeysuckle Bereavement Service - Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust

Monthly support group - group sessions take place in a calm, welcoming environment with refreshments, crafts and a listening ear. The meetings are for adults only, due to the sensitive nature of the group children cannot attend.

Women’s Walking Group – In partnership with Liverpool Football Club Foundation, The Honeysuckle Team have set up a monthly walking group for women. The group is a safe space for women to come together to discuss issues that matter to you, learn different coping strategies, get advice from other women affected by baby loss, get active and keep fit.

Support for Men - In partnership with Liverpool Football Club Foundation, The Honeysuckle Team have set up a support group for men. Honeysuckle FC offers men a safe space to come together for an hour social and wellbeing session followed by an hour football session.

The Honeysuckle Team organise an annual remembrance service in October during Baby Loss Awareness Week, 9^th – 15^th October https://babyloss-awareness.org/  for all families to remember their babies. Attending remembrance events can be a helpful part of your grief journey. Sharing this time with other families might help you feel less isolated in your grief. We publish details of our service on Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust website and social media pages.

Honeysuckle support sessions and events are funded through Liverpool Women's Charity. We would like to thank all those who have donated to help make these events possible. ongoing support for families can have such a positive impact on their difficult journey. If you would like to support The Honeysuckle Team in continuing to provide these services please contact Liverpool Women's Fundraising Team - Liverpool Women's Hospital Charity - Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust

Local Counselling Services

The Honeysuckle Team have strong links with 2 local counselling services who provide support to men, women and children. If you would like to discuss counselling, please do not hesitate to contact The Honeysuckle Team.

Liverpool Bereavement Services – provide counselling for pregnancy loss at any gestation  https://liverpoolbereavement.com/baby-and-child-loss/

Love Jasmine -  provide counselling for over 22 weeks gestation as well group sessions for parents, grandparents and siblings https://www.lovejasmine.org.uk/

Support Organisations

Aching Arms - support when you’ve experienced the heartbreak of losing your baby, during pregnancy, at birth or soon after. https://www.achingarms.co.uk/

Antenatal Results Choices (ARC) - for women and families who have to make a decision about continuing or ending your pregnancy after been told your baby has a fetal anomaly https://www.arc-uk.org/for-parents/

Baby Loss, Love and Grief – A podcast discussing all things related to trauma and baby loss Baby Loss, Grief & Love (buzzsprout.com)

Child Bereavement UK - helps children, parents and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a baby or child dies When your baby dies | Child Bereavement UK

Children of Jannah - Aimed at supporting bereaved parents who are of the Muslim faith, who have been affected by the tragic loss of a child https://www.childrenofjannah.com/

Cradle - a national pregnancy loss charity working with Healthcare Professionals within the NHS, to support their pregnancy loss services https://cradlecharity.org/

Dads Still Standing – a place for dads who have suffered baby loss to find support https://www.dadstillstanding.com/

Ectopic Pregnancy Trust - provides information, education and support to those affected by ectopic pregnancy. https://ectopic.org.uk/

Miscarriage Association - supporting women, their partners, families, friends and colleagues affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy. https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/

Muslim Bereavement Support Service - serving the Muslim community by supporting bereaved women who have lost a loved one. Losing a Child - Muslim Bereavement Support Service (mbss.org.uk)

SANDS - the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK, supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby. Sands Bereavement Support App | Sands - Stillbirth and neonatal death charity

SPACE - Liverpool based online network that offers peer support to women who have experienced miscarriage of infertility – either recently, or at any time in the past https://www.thereisspaceforyouhere.com/

The Worst Girl Gang Ever – a support platform and podcast for miscarriage and baby loss https://www.theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/

Twins Trust - supports all parents and carers of twins, triplets or more who have died whether it was during or after pregnancy https://twinstrust.org/bereavement.html

The leaflet is detailed below, or you can download the 'Lactation after Loss' leaflet in PDF.

We are very sorry that your baby has sadly died. Some mums and lactating parents find producing breastmilk very painful as it reminds them of their loss. They want to stop their milk production as quickly as possible. Others find making and expressing their milk comforting. There is no right or wrong way to feel, or decision to make. This leaflet explains the options that you have, and your healthcare team can support you to make the best decision for you and answer any questions that you may have.

Natural Milk Production

The amount of milk produced in the breast will vary from person to person and will reduce naturally over a period. If breastfeeding has already been established, your breasts may continue to produce milk for some time.

It is extremely important not to abruptly stop the production of milk if breastfeeding has already been established, as this may increase the risk of severe breast engorgement and mastitis.

Engorgement

Engorgement is when the breasts become swollen, firm, and painful. It can happen between 2-5 days after the death of your baby. Your breasts can leak milk and feel uncomfortable for up to 7-14 days. This can settle on its own. If severely engorged, your breasts can become hard, shiny, warm, and slightly lumpy to touch. Breast engorgement actually helps to suppress the production of breast milk. However, painful breast engorgement is not necessary and can be avoided.

Relieving Symptoms of Engorgement

There are a variety of methods that can be used to reduce milk production including prescribed medication and a milk reduction routine. These are a few suggestions to help relieve engorgement.

• Take regular pain relief.
• Wear a support bra e.g. a sports bra day and night.
• Use breast pads to absorb leaking milk.
• Use cold compresses for 15-20 minutes – avoid heat.
• If your breasts feel very full, hand express a small amount off for comfort.
• Have a warm bath or shower to allow the breasts to leak naturally (ensure shower water jets are not directly on the breasts)
• Sleep on your back.

Mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast, which, if left untreated, can develop into a more serious infection. Symptoms include:

• red, swollen area on the breast that is hot and painful to touch.
• breast lump or area of hardness on the breast
• white or blood-stained nipple discharge
• flu-like symptoms including fatigue, chills, fever.

If you display any of these symptoms it is recommended that you contact your midwife, health visitor or GP as antibiotic treatment may be required.

If You Need to Hand Express

To hand express, hold your breast with your fingers a few inches back from the areola (the dark part around the nipple). Push your hand back toward the chest wall, and then roll your fingers forward toward the nipple, taking care not to slide your fingers over the skin.

Reducing Your Milk Supply

If you were expressing regularly for a premature or ill baby, you will need to gradually reduce the amount of breast milk produced. This can be done through increasing the time between hand expressing, over a few days and eventually coming to a stop. If you are unable to find relief using hand expressing a pump can be used, however only spend as long on the pump as it takes to reduce the pressure in your breasts; emptying your breasts will encourage your body to produce more milk.

Medication

Cabergoline (Dostinex) suppresses milk production by blocking the hormone that is secreted to produce milk. It should be used alongside a milk reduction routine. The dose of Cabergoline is 0.25 mg twice a day for two days if breastfeeding is established, or 1mg in a single dose if breastfeeding has not yet been established.  Your neonatal nurse, midwife or GP will be able to arrange this for you.

What can I do with milk that I have already expressed?

There are different options available if you have milk that you have already expressed, and you may wish to do one or a combination of these.

• Donating your milk to a milk bank for recipient or research donation
• Keeping a container of milk for a keepsake
• Using some of your milk to be turned into a keepsake for example breastmilk jewellery. (You can find details of companies online who make these for a fee)
• You may not want to keep or donate your milk, and you can ask the hospital to dispose of the milk safely on your behalf.

The Funeral

Around the time of your baby’s funeral is going to be highly emotional. This unfortunately can affect your milk production and you may experience engorgement even though you thought things were settling down. If possible, sit down and support your breasts with your arm. Let people know not to hug you too hard if your breasts are painful.

Continuing to express for donation

Some parents find that expressing milk for donation can be comforting. Parental grief is very complex and personal, and this may not be a choice for everyone. If you decide that you want to keep on expressing, you may wish to consider milk donation.  Your nurse/midwife will be able to give you more information if you feel as though this is a choice that you would like to make. 

Local Support

It is important that you are supported through your bereavement. The hospital has a dedicated bereavement team called The Honeysuckle Team. Please contact the team on 0151 702 4151 / email honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk  or search Honeysuckle Team on Facebook.

Support

Helpful organisations:

 

 

 

The leaflet is detailed below, or you can download the 'Post Mortem Examination – Local Information for Families' leaflet in PDF.

The Honeysuckle Team are the dedicated baby bereavement team at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. We are very sorry for your loss and would like you to know that we are here to offer support and advice where we can.

The Honeysuckle Team have devised this leaflet to provide you with local information in regard to post mortem (PM) examination for babies.

What is a post mortem?

A post mortem (also called an autopsy or PM) is the medical examination to help understand any factors that might have contributed to a baby’s death.

Unless it has been ordered by a coroner a post mortem examination cannot be done without parental consent. Post mortems on babies are undertaken by specialist doctors, known as a paediatric or perinatal pathologist.

In order for you to consent to a PM you also need to read SANDS Bereavement Support Book– there is a section called understanding why your baby died. This section provides information regarding PM - enabling parents to make an informed choice. If you have not been given the booklet and would like a copy please advise the midwife, nurse or doctor caring for you or you may wish to access this information using the following ink:

https://www.sands.org.uk/sites/default/files/Sands%20-%20Understanding%20why%20your%20baby%20died.pdf or via the SANDS Bereavement Support App.

Once you have agreed to a PM – The doctor, nurse or midwife trained in PM consent will discuss this further and complete a consent form with you.

If you have consented to PM your baby will come into the care of The Honeysuckle Team.

Where will the post mortem take place?

The post mortem examination will be carried out at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital (AHCH). The Honeysuckle Team will facilitate the transfer of your baby to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital using their dedicated driver. Please know your baby will be treated with the utmost care and respect while in the care of The Honeysuckle Team and the pathology team at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Once the examination has been completed, your baby will be transferred back to the care of The Honeysuckle Team at Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust (LWH) by the driver.

The Honeysuckle Team will keep you up to date of your baby’s journey should you wish to know.

How long do parents have to wait until baby’s body is released?

The examination usually takes no more than 5 working days to complete. Your baby can be collected by your nominated funeral director or transferred back to the care of The Honeysuckle Team at Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust (LWH) by the driver. The Honeysuckle Team will keep you up to date of your baby’s journey should you wish to know.

When will I receive the results?

The results from the examination usually take up to 16 weeks to come through from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

If you request a gender identification as part of the PM, The Honeysuckle Team will be informed of the gender by Alder Hey, usually within 4 working days. Should you wish to know this result The Honeysuckle Team’s bereavement support midwives will contact you with this information. Alternatively, if you have not heard anything please contact The Honeysuckle Team on 0151 702 4151 / honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk  during their office hours – Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:00.

Once the results are received an appointment will be made for you to meet with your consultant to discuss the results. Your consultant’s secretary will contact you with the appointment details.

If your baby died on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), an appointment will be made for you to meet with a Neonatal consultant. If your baby was born at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, your obstetric consultant may also attend the appointment.

We hope this leaflet provides the information needed to explore local information for families in regards to post mortem examination.

 

 

 

 

The leaflet is detailed below, or you can download 'Care and Support for Baby Loss
between 12 and 24 weeks ' leaflet in PDF. 

Introduction

If your baby was stillborn from the 24th week of pregnancy or born alive and then sadly died please read leaflet ‘Care and Support Following Stillbirth and Neonatal Death -  Honeysuckle Bereavement Leaflets - Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust

The Honeysuckle Team are the dedicated baby bereavement team at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. 

The Honeysuckle Team offer practical advice and guidance as well as ongoing emotional support, you can contact the team via telephone and email 0151 702 4151 / honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk 

This leaflet has been designed to provide you with local information in regards to care and support for baby loss between 12 and 24 weeks. We also encourage you to read the following leaflets that provide information on causes of second trimester loss, the physical process, tests and investigations, the physical impact, the emotional impact and considering another pregnancy:

For baby loss between under 16 weeks ‘The Miscarriage Association - Second Trimester Loss: Late Miscarriage’ Second-trimester-loss.pdf (miscarriageassociation.org.uk)

For baby loss over 16 weeks ‘Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – When Your Baby Dies Before Birth’ When your baby dies before birth | RCOG

For information regarding post mortem testing please read ‘ Post Mortem Examination – Local Information for Families post-mortem-examination-leaflet.pdf (liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk)

Options for the care of your baby

When a baby is born before the 24th week of pregnancy and shows no signs of life, there is no legal requirement to have a funeral.

If your baby was stillborn from the 24th week of pregnancy or born alive and then sadly died please read leaflet Care and Support Following Stillbirth and Neonatal Death -  Honeysuckle Bereavement Leaflets - Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust

 This information has been devised in accordance with Human Tissue Authority guidance. https://www.hta.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Guidance_on_the_disposal_of_pregnancy_re mains.pdf

There are 3 options you have to decide between following on from your loss.

Communal Cremation

With your consent The Honeysuckle Team organise a communal cremation. A communal cremation is when 12 babies are cremated together at Springwood crematorium.

Following the cremation, the ashes are scattered in the baby garden of remembrance within the grounds of the crematorium.

Please note if you sign consent for communal cremation and wish to be provided with more information you must contact The Honeysuckle Team within 14 days.

Please be rest assured that your baby will be looked after and that the communal cremation is carried out in a dignified and respectful manner. Baby Remembrance Garden, Springwood Crematorium, Springwood Avenue, Allerton, L25 7UN.

Arranging burial or cremation via a funeral director

It is possible to arrange an individual burial or cremation for a pregnancy loss at any stage of pregnancy - if you wish to do this you will need to appoint a local funeral director.

The Honeysuckle Team are able to provide you with advice and guidance on arranging a funeral and can make initial contact with funeral directors on your behalf if you wish. Most funeral directors in the local area do not charge any fees when making arrangements for a baby or child’s funeral.

Please note if you sign consent to make arrangements with a funeral director you need to make your arrangements within 12 weeks. If you have not contacted a funeral director or The Honeysuckle Team within this time a communal cremation will take place in accordance with Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust procedures.

Taking pregnancy remains home from the hospital

You can take your pregnancy remains home with you to bury in a planter with flowers or a plant in the garden; this is a personal choice and there are no regulations to prevent you doing whatever feels right for you.

If you decide to do this, there are certain requirements that need to be met. It is advisable to think carefully about what you will do with your pregnancy remains/baby and consider any associated restrictions which might exist, for example in relation to burial on a home property. For further guidance please visit https://www.fdean.gov.uk/media/a0omqwzz/guidance-for-burials-on-private-land.pdf The Environment Agency is also a good source of advice on this matter. Environment Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you would like to discuss these options in more detail, please contact The Honeysuckle Team for support please call or email the team - 0151 702 4151 / honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk

If you do not make a decision or do not contact The Honeysuckle Team to confirm your decision the team will attempt to contact you. If the team are not able to reach you within 12 weeks they will make arrangements for communal cremation in accordance with Human Tissue Authority (HTA) guidance and local hospital procedure.

Making Memories

The Honeysuckle Team are passionate about promoting positive memories for bereaved families.

Your nurse / midwife will support your choices for memory making. There is no official registration for a miscarriage. Acknowledgment of life certificates are available for anyone who experiences a pregnancy loss under 24 weeks. These are provided in the memory boxes. If this is something you would like please ask the nurse caring for you who can provide this, alternatively should you wish to make your own you can download a template from SANDS website www.sands.org.uk

A Government scheme designed to recognise the grief of parents who have experienced a loss of pregnancy before 24 weeks has been launched, you can get a certificate in memory of your baby.

It’s free to get a certificate. You do not need to request a certificate if you prefer not to. It’s optional. The certificate is not a legal document - for example you cannot use it to claim benefits. The certificate will not be added to your GP record.

Should you wish to request a baby loss certificate please follow: Request a baby loss certificate - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Memory Box

Your nurse should offer you a memory box, if you have not been given one, please ask the staff looking after you. The box is a special place for keepsakes this could include a scan picture, or any cards that you might receive. A memory box can help you acknowledge your grief and talk about your loss with family and friends.

Blessing

A blessing can be arranged with the hospital’s on call chaplaincy team who would usually provide this service. Ask your nurse or midwife to make contact with the chaplaincy team. If the chaplaincy team are not available another staff member at the hospital can conduct a blessing on their behalf – your nurse will support you with this. You may wish to record or stream this for family and friends to watch.

Memorial Book

There is a book of remembrance located in the chapel at LWH. If you would like your baby’s name to be added to the book please email Christine.dickinson@lwh.nhs.uk with the following details  baby/babies name, the date that you delivered.

Memorial Garden

There is a garden dedicated to our honeysuckle families. You are welcome to visit the garden at any time and can access from the main reception of the hospital. Within the garden there is a metal love lock tree. You may wish to purchase a padlock with your baby’s name or a small message inscribed to hang on the tree. If you would like to order a lock please visit Ladybugs Picnic Wirral - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LadybugsPicnicWirral 

Naming Your Baby

 Some parents decide to give their baby a name, as this gives them their own identity and can make it easy to talk about them. Some parents use a nickname they may have chosen during their pregnancy. You do not have to name your baby if this does not feel right for you.

Seeing and Holding Your Baby

 Once your baby is born, you may begin to think about the choices you want to make, for example, you can think about whether you want to see and hold your baby. You might have already started thinking about these decisions in the time before you delivered. Your nurse or midwife will support you with this. If you are not sure about seeing your baby or anxious about how your baby will look you could ask your nurse or midwife to show you a photograph or ask them to describe your baby to you. If you would like to see your baby and this is not suggested please ask the staff caring for you.

Hand and Footprints

For babies born very early it may not always be possible to take hand and footprints. When possible your nurse or midwife will offer and if accepted will try to take ink prints of your baby’s hands and feet. You may choose to incorporate the prints into images, tattoos and jewellery. You may want a few sets of these prints to give to family members who are not able to meet your baby.

Photographs

Your nurse or midwife will usually offer to take photos of your baby. You can also take your own photographs of your baby. Some parents like to have photographs of their baby’s hands and feet, others may also wish to have a photo of them holding their baby. Should you agree to photographs being taken but you do not wish to look at the photos, you can request for them to be given to you in a sealed envelope. You can then look at them at a later date if you wish, or you can give them to family members or friends. If you do not wish for photographs to be taken then please inform the nurse / midwife caring for you.

Dressing Your Baby

You may want to dress your baby, or you could ask your nurse or midwife to assist you with this. We have suitable clothing, wraps, blankets and angel pouches for all gestations and your nurse / midwife can support you with your choices. If your baby’s condition makes dressing them difficult, you may want to wrap them in a blanket or something similar.

On-going keepsakes

In addition to the keepsakes you collect from your pregnancy or soon after you baby is born, there may be other things that form valuable keepsakes in the future. Among these things could include poems, letters, emails, cards and jewellery.

Support for you and your family

The Honeysuckle Team run ongoing support sessions and events. For up to date information regarding Honeysuckle ongoing support please visit Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust website Honeysuckle Bereavement Service - Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust Alternatively, if you would like to be added to our mailing list please email your details to honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk and we can ensure you are invited and advised of all future events.

Monthly support group - group sessions take place in a calm, welcoming environment with refreshments, crafts and a listening ear. The meetings are for adults only, due to the sensitive nature of the group children cannot attend.

Women’s Walking Group – In partnership with Liverpool Football Club Foundation, The Honeysuckle Team have set up a monthly walking group for women. The group is a safe space for women to come together to discuss issues that matter to you, learn different coping strategies, get advice from other women affected by baby loss, get active and keep fit.

Support for Men - In partnership with Liverpool Football Club Foundation, The Honeysuckle Team have set up a support group for men. Honeysuckle FC offers men a safe space to come together for an hour social and wellbeing session followed by an hour football session.

The Honeysuckle Team organise an annual remembrance service in October during Baby Loss Awareness Week, 9^th – 15^th October https://babyloss-awareness.org/  for all families to remember their babies. Attending remembrance events can be a helpful part of your grief journey. Sharing this time with other families might help you feel less isolated in your grief. We publish details of our service on Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust website and social media pages.

Honeysuckle support sessions and events are funded through Liverpool Women's Charity. We would like to thank all those who have donated to help make these events possible. ongoing support for families can have such a positive impact on their difficult journey. If you would like to support The Honeysuckle Team in continuing to provide these services please contact Liverpool Women's Fundraising Team - Liverpool Women's Hospital Charity - Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust

Unsubscribe to Bounty communications

If you are sadly affected by miscarriage or baby loss Bounty can update your details for you. Please email privacy@bounty.com and they will update your membership details to ensure that you no longer receive any communications from them or their partners.

Helpful organisations

There are lots of organisations The Honeysuckle Team work with who can offer you and your family support:

 

Liverpool Bereavement Services – provides counselling support in Liverpool 0151 236 3932 / https://liverpoolbereavement.com/

 

Antenatal Results and Choices ( ARC ) – Offers information and support for parents making decisions around antenatal testing, including when a baby has a significant anomaly. https://www.arc-uk.org/

 

Child Bereavement UK National organisation providing support to families when a baby or child has died and offers support for children faced with bereavement. 0800 028 8840 / https://www.childbereavementuk.org/

 

Children of Jannah – Organisation providing support to Muslim families after the loss of a baby or child https://childrenofjannah.com/how-we-can-help/

 

The Compassionate Friends – Organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents that offer support to other after the death of a child. www.tcf.org.uk

 

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust – Provides support and information for people who have had or been affected by an ectopic pregnancy. 020 7733 2653 / https://ectopic.org.uk/

 

Fertility Network UK – Provides support to people dealing with infertility and/or who are facing involuntary childlessness. www.fertilitynetworkuk.org

 

The Miscarriage Association – National organisation offering support and information for individuals affected by pregnancy loss. 01924 200 799 / https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/ 

 

Multiple Births Foundation (MBF) – Provides support and information for multiple birth families, including bereavement support. www.multiplebirths.org.uk

 

Muslim Bereavement Support Service – Provides support and information to Muslim families following a bereavement 020 3468 7333 / http://mbss.org.uk/

 

Sakoon – Provides an Islamic perspective in counselling for Muslims Islamic counselling, Muslim counselling - Incorporate Islam in Counselling (sakoon.co.uk)

 

Samaritans – Offers confidential support, available 24 hours a day to people who need to talk. Telephone 116 123 / https://www.samaritans.org

 

Twins Trust – offers support to families who have lost one or more children from a multiple birth. Twins Trust | Bereavement Service / bereavementsupport@twinstrust.org

 

Should you wish to contact The Honeysuckle Team to discuss anything further, please contact us by telephone 0151 702 4151 or email honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk – office hours are Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The leaflet is detailed below, or you can download the Care and Support for Baby Loss
before 12 weeks leaflet in PDF.

This leaflet discusses care and support for baby loss under 12 weeks including testing, options for care of pregnancy remains, memory making and ongoing support

Introduction

If you have had a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy or you are worried that this may happen, it can be really important to have good, clear, accurate information. It can also help family, friends and colleagues. 

This leaflet discusses care and support for baby loss under 12 weeks. If your pregnancy loss occurred between 12 and 24 weeks of pregnancy please read leaflet care-and-support-for-baby-loss-before-24-weeks.pdf (liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk)

We also encourage you to access the following leaflets

The Miscarriage Association The Miscarriage Association:Pregnancy Loss Information & Support who offer a wide range of support and resources including a range of leaflets about the facts and feelings of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy. They also provide information on other useful publications and organisations.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have produced the following leaflets

that provide information on early miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, the physical process, tests and investigations, the physical impact, the emotional impact and considering another pregnancy:

For early miscarriage - pi-early-miscarriage.pdf (rcog.org.uk)

For ectopic pregnancy - pi-ectopic-pregnancy-mar20.pdf (rcog.org.uk)

For molar pregnancy - Molar pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) patient information (rcog.org.uk)

We have designed this booklet to ensure that you and your family are fully aware of the choices available, and the formalities involved at this difficult time.

The Honeysuckle Team offer practical advice and guidance as well as ongoing emotional support, you can contact the team via telephone and email 0151 702 4151 / honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk 

Histopathology Testing

This section explains histopathology testing of pregnancy remains after early miscarriage (up to 12 weeks’ gestation).

You have been asked to consider Histopathological examination of your pregnancy remains. 

What Is Histopathology testing and why is it recommended?

Histopathology is the microscopic examination of the appearance of cells and tissues in very fine detail to exclude any abnormalities.

Histopathology testing is advisable although not compulsory.

We need to examine your pregnancy remains to exclude a rare condition called Molar Pregnancy (Gestational Trophoblast Disease). This is a condition where pregnancy and placental tissue develop abnormally and this can be the cause for your miscarriage - the testing does not give reasons why a miscarriage has occurred nor will it determine gender.

There are two types of Molar Pregnancy:

1. A complete mole, where there's a mass of abnormal cells in the womb and no foetus develops or
   2. A partial mole, where an abnormal foetus starts to form, but it cannot survive.

Molar Pregnancies can cause the pregnancy hormone in your body to be very high and you may still feel pregnant. If Molar Pregnancy is diagnosed when your pregnancy tissue is examined it allows staff to give you the most appropriate treatment and follow up care in future pregnancies.

Molar pregnancy is a very rare condition and we will only contact you if the examination identifies this condition, or if anything else is found that might affect you.

If you have opted for surgical management of your miscarriage we recommend sending the pregnancy remains for testing. If you have opted for medical management of your miscarriage the health professionals caring for you will check any remains you pass and discuss if they think histopathology testing is advisable with you.

The examination is carried out in the Histopathology Department at Liverpool University Foundation Trust.

Does This Examination Have To Be Performed?

It is your decision whether or not to allow this examination.

Please be aware that results from histopathology examination rarely identify a cause for your miscarriage. We do not routinely contact you with the results unless they are abnormal and results can take up to 3 months to come through.

After Histopathology Examination

When fetal tissue is identified microscopically, its presence is commented within the pathology report, but as this is embedded in a paraffin block and is part of the diagnostic record, this is not returned.

If no fetal tissue is identified Royal Liverpool University Hospital will make arrangements for respectful disposal of the remaining tissue according to their standard procedure.

When fetal tissue is identified during the examination this is returned to Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust.  The Honeysuckle Team will ensure your pregnancy remains are cared for in accordance with your wishes.

Genetic testing on the pregnancy remains will only be offered if there was a known fetal abnormality or if this is your third or more miscarriage, which is in keeping with national guidelines.

Options for the care of pregnancy remains

This information has been devised in accordance with Human Tissue Authority guidance. https://www.hta.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Guidance_on_the_disposal_of_pregnancy_re mains.pdf

Please note when a pregnancy loss occurs under 12 weeks gestation and histopathology testing has been requested, if no fetal tissue is identified, Royal Liverpool University Hospital will make arrangements for respectful disposal of the remaining tissue according to their standard procedure.

There are 3 options you have to decide between following on from your loss.

Communal Cremation

With your consent The Honeysuckle Team organise a communal cremation. A communal cremation is when 12 babies are cremated together at Springwood crematorium.

Following the cremation, the ashes are scattered in the baby garden of remembrance within the grounds of the crematorium.

Please note if you sign consent for communal cremation and wish to be provided with more information you must contact The Honeysuckle Team within 14 days.

Please be rest assured that your baby will be looked after and that the communal cremation is carried out in a dignified and respectful manner. Baby Remembrance Garden, Springwood Crematorium, Springwood Avenue, Allerton, L25 7UN.

Arranging burial or cremation via a funeral director

It is possible to arrange an individual burial or cremation for a pregnancy loss at any stage of pregnancy - if you wish to do this you will need to appoint a local funeral director.

The Honeysuckle Team are able to provide you with advice and guidance on arranging a funeral and can make initial contact with funeral directors on your behalf if you wish. Most funeral directors in the local area do not charge any fees when making arrangements for a baby or child’s funeral.

Please note if you sign consent to make arrangements with a funeral director you need to make your arrangements within 12 weeks. If you have not contacted a funeral director or The Honeysuckle Team within this time a communal cremation will take place in accordance with Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust procedures.

Taking pregnancy remains home from the hospital

You can take your pregnancy remains home with you to bury in a planter with flowers or a plant in the garden; this is a personal choice and there are no regulations to prevent you doing whatever feels right for you.

If you decide to do this, there are certain requirements that need to be met. It is advisable to think carefully about what you will do with your pregnancy remains/baby and consider any associated restrictions which might exist, for example in relation to burial on a home property. For further guidance please visit https://www.fdean.gov.uk/media/a0omqwzz/guidance-for-burials-on-private-land.pdf The Environment Agency is also a good source of advice on this matter. Environment Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you would like to discuss these options in more detail, please contact The Honeysuckle Team for support please call or email the team - 0151 702 4151 / honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk

If you do not make a decision or do not contact The Honeysuckle Team to confirm your decision the team will attempt to contact you. If the team are not able to reach you within 12 weeks they will make arrangements for communal cremation in accordance with Human Tissue Authority (HTA) guidance and local hospital procedure.

Making Memories

The Honeysuckle Team are passionate about promoting positive memories for bereaved families.

Your nurse will support your choices for memory making. There is no official registration for a miscarriage. Acknowledgment of life certificates are available for anyone who experiences a pregnancy loss under 24 weeks. These are provided in the memory boxes. If this is something you would like please ask the nurse caring for you who can provide this, alternatively should you wish to make your own you can download a template from SANDS website www.sands.org.uk

A Government scheme designed to recognise the grief of parents who have experienced a loss of pregnancy before 24 weeks has been launched, you can get a certificate in memory of your baby.

It’s free to get a certificate. You do not need to request a certificate if you prefer not to. It’s optional. The certificate is not a legal document - for example you cannot use it to claim benefits.  The certificate will not be added to your GP record. Should you wish to request a baby loss certificate please follow: Request a baby loss certificate - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Naming Your Baby

Some parents decide to give their baby a name, as this gives them their own identity and can make it easy to talk about them. Some parents use a nickname they may have chosen during their pregnancy. You do not have to name your baby if this does not feel right for you.

Memory Box

Your nurse should offer you a memory box, if you have not been given one, please ask the staff looking after you. The box is a special place for keepsakes this could include a scan picture, or any cards that you might receive. A memory box can help you acknowledge your grief and talk about your loss with family and friends.

Blessing

A blessing can be arranged with the hospital’s on call chaplaincy team who would usually provide this service. Ask your nurse or midwife to make contact with the chaplaincy team. If the chaplaincy team are not available another staff member at the hospital can conduct a blessing on their behalf – your nurse will support you with this. You may wish to record or stream this for family and friends to watch.

Memorial Book

There is a book of remembrance located in the chapel at LWH. If you would like your baby’s name to be added to the book please email Christine.dickinson@lwh.nhs.uk with the following details  baby/babies name, the date that you delivered.

Memorial Garden

There is a garden dedicated to our honeysuckle families. You are welcome to visit the garden at any time and can access from the main reception of the hospital. Within the garden there is a metal love lock tree. You may wish to purchase a padlock with your baby’s name or a small message inscribed to hang on the tree. If you would like to order a lock please visit Ladybugs Picnic Wirral - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LadybugsPicnicWirral 

Support for you and your family

The Honeysuckle Team run ongoing support sessions and events. For up to date information regarding Honeysuckle ongoing support please visit Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust website Honeysuckle Bereavement Service - Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust Alternatively, if you would like to be added to our mailing list please email your details to honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk and we can ensure you are invited and advised of all future events.

Monthly support group - group sessions take place in a calm, welcoming environment with refreshments, crafts and a listening ear. The meetings are for adults only, due to the sensitive nature of the group children cannot attend.

Women’s Walking Group – In partnership with Liverpool Football Club Foundation, The Honeysuckle Team have set up a monthly walking group for women. The group is a safe space for women to come together to discuss issues that matter to you, learn different coping strategies, get advice from other women affected by baby loss, get active and keep fit.

Support for Men - In partnership with Liverpool Football Club Foundation, The Honeysuckle Team have set up a support group for men. Honeysuckle FC offers men a safe space to come together for an hour social and wellbeing session followed by an hour football session.

The Honeysuckle Team organise an annual remembrance service in October during Baby Loss Awareness Week, 9^th – 15^th October https://babyloss-awareness.org/  for all families to remember their babies. Attending remembrance events can be a helpful part of your grief journey. Sharing this time with other families might help you feel less isolated in your grief. We publish details of our service on Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust website and social media pages.

Honeysuckle support sessions and events are funded through Liverpool Women's Charity. We would like to thank all those who have donated to help make these events possible. ongoing support for families can have such a positive impact on their difficult journey. If you would like to support The Honeysuckle Team in continuing to provide these services please contact Liverpool Women's Fundraising Team - Liverpool Women's Hospital Charity - Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust

Unsubscribe to Bounty communications

If you are sadly affected by miscarriage or baby loss Bounty can update your details for you. Please email privacy@bounty.com and they will update your membership details to ensure that you no longer receive any communications from them or their partners.

Helpful organisations

There are lots of organisations The Honeysuckle Team work with who can offer you and your family support:

Liverpool Bereavement Services – provides counselling support in Liverpool 0151 236 3932 / https://liverpoolbereavement.com/

 

Antenatal Results and Choices ( ARC ) – Offers information and support for parents making decisions around antenatal testing, including when a baby has a significant anomaly. https://www.arc-uk.org/

 

Child Bereavement UK National organisation providing support to families when a baby or child has died and offers support for children faced with bereavement. 0800 028 8840 / https://www.childbereavementuk.org/

 

Children of Jannah – Organisation providing support to Muslim families after the loss of a baby or child https://childrenofjannah.com/how-we-can-help/

 

The Compassionate Friends – Organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents that offer support to other after the death of a child. www.tcf.org.uk

 

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust – Provides support and information for people who have had or been affected by an ectopic pregnancy. 020 7733 2653 / https://ectopic.org.uk/

 

Fertility Network UK – Provides support to people dealing with infertility and/or who are facing involuntary childlessness. www.fertilitynetworkuk.org

 

The Miscarriage Association – National organisation offering support and information for individuals affected by pregnancy loss. 01924 200 799 / https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/ 

 

Multiple Births Foundation (MBF) – Provides support and information for multiple birth families, including bereavement support. www.multiplebirths.org.uk

 

Muslim Bereavement Support Service – Provides support and information to Muslim families following a bereavement 020 3468 7333 / http://mbss.org.uk/

 

Sakoon – Provides an Islamic perspective in counselling for Muslims Islamic counselling, Muslim counselling - Incorporate Islam in Counselling (sakoon.co.uk)

 

Samaritans – Offers confidential support, available 24 hours a day to people who need to talk. Telephone 116 123 / https://www.samaritans.org

 

Twins Trust – offers support to families who have lost one or more children from a multiple birth. Twins Trust | Bereavement Service / bereavementsupport@twinstrust.org

 

Should you wish to contact The Honeysuckle Team to discuss anything further, please contact us by telephone 0151 702 4151 or email honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk – office hours are Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The leaflet is detailed below, or you can download 'Care and Support following Stillbirth and neonatal death' leaflet in PDF. 

Introduction

We have designed this booklet to ensure that you and your family are fully aware of the choices available and the formalities involved at this difficult time.

The Honeysuckle Team offer practical advice and guidance as well as ongoing emotional support, you can contact the team via telephone and email 0151 702 4151 / honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk

SANDS bereavement support app is free to download on smart phone or tablet. This app offers guidance on various topics such as saying goodbye to your baby, examinations/testing, funeral arrangements and support for friends and family - including children.

Making Memories

The Honeysuckle Team are passionate about promoting positive memories for bereaved families.

When a baby dies, there are few happy memories to help the grief that parents and other family members experience. This section discusses various ways in which you can make memories of the time that you had together and honour the memory of your baby. Your nurse / midwife will support your choices for memory making.

Memory Box

Your nurse / midwife should offer you a memory box, should you not be given one please ask staff. Memory boxes can help capture the time you had with you baby. The box is a special place for keepsakes to remember your baby by. This could include a scan picture, photographs, hand and foot prints, a lock of hair or any cards that you might receive. It may not always be possible to take hand and foot prints or have a lock of hair, but you may still like to have a box for other memories. A memory box can help you acknowledge your grief and talk about your pregnancy and your baby with family and friends.

Blessing

A short blessing or naming ceremony can be arranged with the hospital’s on call chaplaincy team who would usually provide this service. Ask your nurse or midwife to make contact with the chaplaincy team. If the chaplaincy team are not available another staff member at the hospital can conduct a blessing on their behalf – your nurse or midwife will support you with this. You may wish to record or stream this for family and friends to watch.

Memorial Book

There is a book of remembrance located in the chapel at LWH. If you would like your baby’s name to be added to the book please email our hospital chaplain Christine.dickinson@lwh.nhs.uk with the following details of your baby: baby/babies name, the date that you delivered or the date your baby was born and the date baby died. Christine will then be able to place these into the book of remembrance.

Memorial Garden

There is a garden dedicated to our honeysuckle families. You are welcome to visit the garden at any time and can access from the main reception of the hospital. Within the garden there is a metal love lock tree. You may wish to purchase a padlock with your baby’s name or a small message inscribed to hang on the tree. If you would like to order a lock please visit Ladybugs Picnic Wirral - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LadybugsPicnicWirral  

Naming Your Baby

Some parents decide to give their baby a name, as this gives them their own identity and can make it easy to talk about them. Some parents use a nickname they may have chosen during their pregnancy. It can sometimes be hard to determine their gender and you might like to choose a name that fits either gender. You do not have to name your baby if this does not feel right for you.

Seeing and Holding Your Baby

You may be anxious about whether you want to see and hold your baby. Your nurse or midwife will support you with this. If you are not sure about seeing your baby or anxious about how your baby will look you could ask your nurse or midwife to show you a photograph or ask them to describe your baby to you. If you would like to see your baby and this is not suggested, please ask the staff caring for you.

Hand and Footprints

When possible, your nurse or midwife will offer and if accepted will try to take ink prints of your baby’s hands and feet. You may choose to incorporate the prints into images, tattoos and jewellery. You may want a few sets of these prints to give to family members who are not able to meet your baby.

Photographs

Your nurse or midwife will usually offer to take photos of your baby. You can also take your own photographs of your baby. Some parents like to have photographs of their baby’s hands and feet, others may also wish to have a photo of them holding their baby.

Should you agree to photographs being taken but you do not wish to look at the photos you can request for them to be given to you in a sealed envelope. You can then look at them at a later date if you wish, or you can give them to family members or friends.  If you do not wish for photographs to be taken, then please inform the nurse / midwife caring for you.

Washing and Dressing Your Baby

You may want to wash and dress your baby, or you could ask your nurse or midwife to assist you with this.  You could bring something from home for your baby to wear; alternatively the hospital can provide clothing for your baby. If your baby’s condition makes dressing them difficult, you may want to wrap them in a blanket or something similar.

We have suitable clothing, wraps, blankets and angel pouches and your nurse / midwife can support you with your choices.

Hospice care

For babies who were born alive and then passed away or who are stillborn local hospices such as Claire House  Family Support | Support and Activities | Claire House Children's Hospice and Zoe’s Place Bereavement Support - Welcome to Zoё's Place Baby Hospice (zoes-place.org.uk) can provide support to families if facilities are available. They have bereavement suites where you are able to take your baby and stay with them for a few days. If you would like your nurse or midwife to make enquiries about this, please ask them.

On-going keepsakes

In addition to the keepsakes, you collect from your pregnancy or soon after you baby is born, there may be other things that form valuable keepsakes in the future. Among these things could include poems, letters, emails, cards and jewellery.

Registration

If your baby was born alive and then passed away or was stillborn at 24 weeks or later, you are legally required to register this with the local registrar of births and deaths.

In the case of a stillbirth the midwife or doctor will complete a medical certificate of stillbirth.

In the case of a neonatal death the doctor will complete a medical certificate of death and you will be contacted by the local Medical Examiner’s Office.

Please ensure when you leave the hospital that you have provided us with your preferred contact number - The Honeysuckle team contact you to confirm when you would prefer an appointment and will liaise with Liverpool Registry Office to make arrangements for the registration.

The Honeysuckle Team will call and advise you of the date and time of your registration.

Registration appointments take place within The Honeysuckle Team office at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust.

Alternatively you can make contact with Liverpool Registry Office yourself to make an appointment via Liverpool City Council website - https://liverpool.gov.uk/births-marriage-deaths/deaths/register-a-death/     

Funeral choices

If your baby was stillborn at 24 weeks or later, or died after birth, you are legally required to have a burial or cremation for them.

The Honeysuckle Team are here to guide you through this process and can make initial contact with a funeral director on your family’s behalf. Most funeral directors in the local area do not charge for a baby or child’s funeral – the funeral director will confirm with you if there are any fees to pay.

Once arrangements have been made the funeral director will contact The Honeysuckle Team to make arrangements for bringing your baby into their care.

Should you wish to take your baby home prior to the funeral taking place you must ensure the funeral director is aware so they can offer you support at home.

If they are able to assist with your request the nurse or midwife caring for you will complete your discharge and ensure you are provided with a letter to confirm you have chosen to take your baby home. This letter will provide details of who to contact at Liverpool Women’s’ Hospital should you have any concerns. Should you opt to take your baby home and wish for a cremation the documentation for cremation will be given to you to pass onto the funeral directors.

Support for you and your family

The Honeysuckle Team run a monthly support group for parents and grandparents, with guest speakers, a library of books, craft table and refreshments provided. The support group is facilitated by Honeysuckle Team’s bereavement specialist midwives Please check The Honeysuckle Team web page for up to date information about support group sessions Honeysuckle Bereavement Service - Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust

The Honeysuckle Team run biweekly wellbeing and football sessions for men in partnership with LFC Foundation. The sessions are facilitated by Honeysuckle Team’s bereavement specialist midwives and LFC Foundation’s mental health coaches. Sessions take place at Leisure United – Jeffrey Humble, Long Lane, Aintree, L9 6AG. For more information please contact honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk  

The Honeysuckle Team are active on social media. We have our own Facebook page Honeysuckle Bond and two private closed Facebook pages one for families and one for Dads who have suffered the loss of a baby.  To join one of the private groups, go onto our Facebook page and request to join Honeysuckle Community Page or Honeysuckle Dad’s Group.  If you request to join one of the private groups please also send Honeysuckle Bond a direct message so the team can ensure you are added.

Joining social media groups can be a meaningful way of honouring your baby’s memory alongside other bereaved families and a helpful part of your grief journey. Sharing time with other families might help you feel less isolated in your grief.

Attending events

Attending remembrance events can be a meaningful way of honouring your baby's memory alongside other bereaved families and a helpful part of your grief journey. Sharing this time with other families might help you feel less isolated in your grief.

Baby Loss Awareness Week Baby Loss Awareness Week – Break the silence around baby loss (babyloss-awareness.org) is held every year between 9-15th October and ends with an international wave of light at 7pm on 15 October for parents to remember their baby at the same time as others across the world. It is during this week’s we usually hold Liverpool Women’s baby loss remembrance service. For up-to-date information on this years’ service please follow Liverpool Women’s on social media or via website Honeysuckle Bereavement Service - Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust

If you would like to be added to our mailing list please email your details to honeysuckle@lwh.nhs.uk  and we can ensure you are invited and advised of all future events.

Should you wish to contact the team to discuss anything in this leaflet further, please contact us by telephone or email or if you are an inpatient and wish a face-to-face visit please discuss this with your nurse or midwife who will contact the team on your behalf.     

There are lots of organisations that The Honeysuckle Team work with who can offer you and your family support.

However organisations can still be contacted via telephone or online.

Child Bereavement UK is particularly helpful if you have children in your family and are concerned with speaking to them about what has happened. They have devised leaflets available on their website for help in talking to children about bereavement.

Helpful organisations:

Liverpool Bereavement Services – provides counselling support in Liverpool for under 20 weeks gestation 0151 236 3932 / https://liverpoolbereavement.com/  

Love Jasmine – provides counselling support in Liverpool for over 20 weeks gestation

0151 459 4779 / https://www.lovejasmine.org.uk/  

Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) – Offers information and support for parents making decisions around antenatal testing, including when a baby has a significant anomaly. https://www.arc-uk.org/   

Child Bereavement UK National organisation providing support to families when a baby or child has died and offers support for children faced with bereavement.

0800 028 8840 /   https://www.childbereavementuk.org/   

Children of Jannah – Organisation providing support to Muslim families after the loss of a baby or child  https://childrenofjannah.com/how-we-can-help/

The Compassionate Friends – Organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents that offer support to other after the death of a child. www.tcf.org.uk  

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust – Provides support and information for people who have had or been affected by an ectopic pregnancy. 020 7733 2653 / https://ectopic.org.uk/

Fertility Network UK – Provides support to people dealing with infertility and/or who are facing involuntary childlessness. www.fertilitynetworkuk.org  

The Miscarriage Association – National organisation offering support and information for individuals affected by pregnancy loss. 01924 200 799 / https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/

Multiple Births Foundation ( MBF ) – Provides support and information for multiple birth families, including bereavement support. www.multiplebirths.org.uk

Muslim Bereavement Support Service – Provides support and information to Muslim families following a bereavement 020 3468 7333 / http://mbss.org.uk/

Sakoon – Provides an Islamic perspective in counselling for Muslims Islamic counselling, Muslim counselling - Incorporate Islam in Counselling (sakoon.co.uk)

Samaritans – Offers confidential support, available 24 hours a day to people who need to talk.

Telephone 116 123 / https://www.samaritans.org/

SANDs – Provides support and information for anyone affected by the death of a baby, before or after birth.

020 7436 5881 / https://www.sands.org.uk/

Twins Trust – offers support to families who have lost one or more children from a multiple birth.

https://twinstrust.org/bereavement.html    /  bereavementsupport@twinstrust.org