A dedicated early pregnancy loss bereavement service is launching on Monday (28 September) in Gynaecology across Humber Health Partnership.
The service will provide sensitive and compassionate support for women and families experiencing pregnancy loss while receiving care from Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust and Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
It has been commissioned and developed over the last six months, in line with national guidance, to provide caring, compassionate and individualised support to women and their families, following an early pregnancy loss of up to 16 weeks of pregnancy. The service supports referrals to medical staff, GPs, and other Allied Health Professionals (AHPS), including external agencies and community support forums.
Matron Laura Steadman said: “The introduction of this dedicated early pregnancy loss bereavement service will provide women and families with the extra care, compassion, and support they need during one of life’s most difficult experiences. By offering a more personal and consistent approach to early loss bereavement care, the service will help families feel listened to, supported, and cared for every step of the way.”
You don’t have to go through this alone. Pregnancy loss, at any stage, can have a profound emotional impact. It can affect not only the woman, but also her partner, family and friends. Everyone experiences grief differently. Some people may want to talk about their loss, while others may need time and space before they feel ready. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Emotional responses may happen immediately, or they may develop days or weeks later. You or your partner may experience; Tiredness or lack of energy, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, anger, sadness, shock, guilt, anxiety, or low mood.
These feelings can be a normal part of the grieving process following pregnancy loss. However, if you are struggling, personal support is available. Pregnancy loss can affect partners too. Partners may sometimes feel they need to be strong or focus on supporting the woman, making it difficult to talk about their own emotions.
Talking openly with each other, when you feel ready, can help. We recognise every woman, partner and family will respond to pregnancy loss differently, and we will provide support that respects your individual need. We can also offer memory-making to ensure you have a memory of your loved one, if you feel this would help.
We are here when you are ready. Our early pregnancy loss nurse is here to listen, offer support, and provide information and advice following your loss. We understand you and your family may need time to process what has happened. Our approach is sensitive and non-intrusive, allowing you to access support when you feel ready. You don’t have to cope with your loss alone.
Women and their partners can self-refer to the early pregnancy loss nurse service by emailing [email protected]. Please scan the QR code below for further information and details of other services that may be able to support you and your family.
