Losing a baby is an unimaginable pain—one that leaves parents navigating grief, heartbreak, and often, a lack of support. For my friend Leanne, this became a devastating reality when she lost her daughter, Enya, due to maternal sepsis. Not only did she have to say goodbye to her precious baby, but she also had to undergo a hysterectomy, forever changing the course of her life.
Leanne’s experience is not unique. Too many parents find themselves in the depths of loss, without adequate bereavement care or support from the systems that should be there to guide them through their grief. That’s why she has become an advocate—fighting for better awareness of baby loss, maternal sepsis, and the urgent need for improved care for bereaved parents.
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Why Bereavement Care Needs to Improve
For families who have lost a baby, compassionate and structured bereavement care can make a world of difference. It’s about more than just acknowledging the loss—it’s about ensuring parents have the emotional, medical, and practical support they need in the weeks, months, and years that follow.
Many bereaved parents report feeling abandoned by healthcare systems after their loss, left to navigate their grief alone. Some receive inconsistent care, while others find that there is no standardised support in place at all. The emotional trauma of losing a baby is only compounded when families feel as though they are being forgotten.
This is why organisations like Sands, the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK, are working tirelessly to change this. They are currently gathering information from parents in Sheffield and South Yorkshire to better understand bereavement care experiences—and they need your help.
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Have You Experienced Bereavement Care in South Yorkshire? Share Your Story
Sands is asking bereaved parents to share their experiences through a confidential survey to identify gaps in care and make tangible improvements. If you or someone you know has gone through baby loss in this region, please take a moment to fill out the survey and have your voice heard.
🔗 Click here to share your experience
Your input could help shape the future of bereavement care, ensuring that no parent feels alone in their grief.
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The Reality of Maternal Sepsis and Baby Loss
Leanne’s story is also a stark reminder of the dangers of maternal sepsis—a life-threatening condition that can escalate rapidly if not diagnosed and treated in time. Many parents are unaware of the risks, and awareness campaigns remain crucial in ensuring that both mothers and babies receive the care they need.
Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection spirals out of control, leading to organ failure and, in severe cases, death. In pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum, sepsis can develop from infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), Group B Strep, mastitis, or infections following a C-section, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
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Recognising the Signs of Sepsis
Sepsis can affect anyone, but pregnant women, newborns, and children are particularly vulnerable. Early recognition and treatment are critical to prevent serious complications or death.
Signs of Sepsis in Pregnancy & Postpartum
Pregnant women and new mothers should be aware of these symptoms:
• High or very low temperature
• Shivering or severe chills
• Fast heartbeat
• Fast breathing or breathlessness
• Severe pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or confusion
• Reduced urination
• Smelly vaginal discharge
• Red, swollen, or painful wounds (especially after a C-section or perineal tear)
If you are pregnant or have recently given birth and experience any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical help.
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Signs of Sepsis in Adults
• High or low temperature
• Uncontrollable shivering
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fast breathing or feeling breathless
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Confusion or difficulty speaking
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Cold, clammy, or mottled skin
• Severe pain or discomfort
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, seek urgent medical help by calling 999.
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Signs of Sepsis in Babies & Children
Children and babies can become seriously ill very quickly with sepsis. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, act fast.
Signs of Sepsis in Babies (Under 1 Year)
• Not feeding properly or refusing feeds
• No wet nappies for 12 hours or dry nappies
• Repeated vomiting
• Unusual cry or moaning
• Hard to wake or very sleepy
• Floppy or unresponsive
• Breathing fast or struggling to breathe
• Blue, pale, or mottled skin
• Cold hands and feet
• High or low temperature (feels hot or cold to the touch)
Signs of Sepsis in Children
• High fever, but cold hands and feet
• Fast breathing or struggling to breathe
• Sleepiness, confusion, or difficulty waking up
• Bluish or pale skin, lips, or tongue
• A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
• Seizures or fits
If your child or baby shows any of these signs, get medical help immediately—call 999 or go to A&E.
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How You Can Help
1. Take or share the Sands survey – If you or someone you know has experienced baby loss in South Yorkshire, encourage them to complete the survey here.
2. Raise awareness – Talk about maternal sepsis and baby loss. Share Leanne’s story and support advocacy efforts to improve bereavement care.
3. Support Sands and bereavement charities – Organisations like Sands rely on donations and volunteers to continue their work in improving care and offering support to grieving parents.
Grief should never be faced alone. By working together, we can push for a world where bereaved parents receive the support, recognition, and care they deserve.
💙 If you found this blog helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to spread awareness and ensure that more parents feel seen, heard, and supported.
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