“When our baby died our lives fell apart. I felt so alone and isolated and just didn’t know what to do or where to turn. In those very early days and weeks, Sands was invaluable and the reason I am still here today.” Mum
We are dedicated to providing emotional support and information right from the early hours after a baby’s death, through to the weeks, months and years ahead. Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby.
Our Bereavement Support Services for parents include our helpline, online community, Sands Groups and the Bereavement Support Book.
“I found myself on the phone to a woman whose baby, like mine, had died. ‘Tell me about your baby,’ she said and I poured my heart out to a perfect stranger with whom I felt an instant connection.” Mum
Many parents feel that only others who have experienced the death of a baby can offer real understanding. Our countrywide network of over 90 local support Groups, usually run by bereaved parents and family members, offer you the chance to meet others, gain support and share your experience. see their Facebook page for information about the next meeting on Southampton Sands – public page | Facebook
Why Sands matters
Did you know, every day in the UK, 13 families suffer the heartbreak of losing their baby before, during or shortly after birth, and an estimated 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage? These losses are life-changing and affect thousands of families each year and that’s why our work is so vital.
We are determined to save every life we can, and we will make sure the right care and support is there for every bereaved family, whenever and wherever they need it.
Sands is working to improve maternity safety through targeted research, campaigning for change, working with the government and reducing inequalities in healthcare to save babies’ lives.
Support for you
We know that talking about pregnancy and baby loss isn’t easy and that watching Rob and Charlotte’s story might have been difficult for you, especially if you’re a bereaved parent or family member or know someone who is.
You are not alone. When someone loses a baby, it can be an isolating, devastating and life-changing experience. That’s why the Sands community is so important – to support families through their loss and help them grow around their grief.
Sands is here for you and anyone who needs bereavement support resources from for anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support after a loss, find out all the different ways we offer this. See the video on https://youtu.be/8fMhedZr6O0
Sands United
More than 35 teams have been set up by local volunteers across the UK since 2018. If Rob and Charlotte’s story has inspired you, find out more about Sands United. We are always looking for new people to help out at their local team or to set up more teams in their area.
And if Rob’s story has inspired you to set up a Sands United team you can apply to do this now.
Apply to become a Sands United team manager.
How you can help
Sands and Sands United FC only exist through the generosity of our supporters who ensure we are always there for anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss.
Understanding why your baby died
Understanding why your baby died may be the most pressing question you have.
One of the key key processes that might provide some answers is a hospital review. The hospital review – or the Perinatal Mortality Review Tool (PMRT) is done for ALL baby deaths after 22 weeks, and the only type of review done for 90% of babies.
You have a right to be part of this review and have your questions and concerns answered.
You might also be offered a post mortem examination for your baby. This is undertaken by a specialist known as a perinatal pathologist and tries to understand the pathological cause of death – the medical reason. A senior health care professional should talk to you about your options for having a post mortem, dependent on when your baby died and what’s already known about their death. Only in rare cases are post-mortems undertaken without your consent.
Below are links where you can find more detailed information about both processes as well as an FAQ section.