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Mother’s Day in the UK, observed today, brings varied emotions for many people. While it is a time of celebration and gratitude for some who honor their mothers, others may find it a day laden with sorrow due to the loss of a loved one. This is especially true for families who have endured the heartbreak of pregnancy or infant loss, for whom the day can feel particularly intense and emotional.
Maddie Biggs, who lost her newborn son Teddy in 2023, shares the complexity of this experience. “You feel like a parent, but the world might not see you as a parent because your child’s not here,” she explains. The feelings involved are described by Maddie as “a whirlwind of emotions.” After Teddy’s passing shortly after his premature birth at 29 weeks, Maddie began sharing her journey on TikTok, opening up about her grief and memories. Despite facing criticism from some who believe baby loss should remain a private matter, Maddie firmly states, “Teddy’s my son and I want to talk about him. He’s always included in my family so he should be seen and spoken about and remembered.”
For Maddie and her husband Michael, commemorating Teddy involves meaningful rituals. They often visit the baby loss garden at Broomfield Hospital, recalling the time they spent with him supported by bereavement midwives. Lighting a candle every night and reviewing photos and videos helps keep Teddy’s memory alive. The couple’s grief has been met with a bittersweet moment of joy with the birth of their daughter Emmie earlier this year. Maddie describes Emmie as “kind of a sunshine in our lives again,” but acknowledges that “it’s always Teddy who made me a mum.”
Offering support to those affected by pregnancy or infant loss can be delicate. Leila Hobart, founder of the support charity Little Wings of Hope, which was established after the loss of her son Oscar, emphasizes the importance of acknowledgment. “One of the most powerful things that somebody can do within your life is simply acknowledge your baby – send a message,” she says. The charity provides practical and emotional assistance to bereaved families, recognizing that silence often causes more pain than hearing the wrong words. Similarly, Kate Davies from the charity Tommy’s highlights the significance of the “We See A Mum” campaign, affirming that recognition and conversation about loss help reduce feelings of isolation, as demonstrated by Maddie’s openness in sharing her story
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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