University-led event marks Baby Loss Awareness Week

In recognition of Baby Loss Awareness Week, the University of Leicester is joining others across the UK in remembering all babies who have died and reaffirming its commitment to improving care and support for families.

Experts in the University's TIMMS research group, which focuses on improving health during pregnancy, birth and childhood, are leading the annual MBRRACE-UK Perinatal Mortality Meeting today (Thursday 9 October).

The virtual conference, with over 400 registered attendees brings together clinicians, researchers, policy leads and parent advocacy groups from across the UK to share insights on improving perinatal outcomes and supporting bereaved families. 

MBRRACE-UK stands for Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries in the UK.

This year particular focus was given to key challenges for UK perinatal care and learning from parents’ experiences of the review of care surrounding their baby’s death. 

Professor Brad Manktelow who leads the TIMMS research group in the School of Healthcare at the University said: “This ongoing collaboration between clinicians, researchers and Sands, the baby loss charity, reflects our commitment to improving perinatal outcomes, ensuring that the voices of parents and specialists in their field come together to shape safer, more compassionate care across the UK.

“The death of a baby is heart-breaking for the families involved and we hope that our research to identify best practices and improve care and outcomes for women, babies, and children will make real differences.”

Research by the group also includes studies on the care of very preterm babies and efforts to improve their health and development.

Professor Manktelow added: “The conference this week has enabled us to share important findings with a wide audience and comes during Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from today until 15 October, when we also remember all those touched by pregnancy and baby loss. For many, the week is a time of remembrance and reflection. Across the University of Leicester, we recognise that baby loss touches colleagues, students, and families alike, and we join together in support and solidarity.

“To mark the week, the University’s Attenborough Tower will be lit up in blue and pink.”