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Baby Loss Awareness Week 2026
As Baby Loss Awareness Week begins, we wish to take the opportunity to highlight some of the activities that we will be engaging in over the course of the week – as part of our ongoing efforts to effect change in policy and practice around all forms of pregnancy and infant loss.
You can join us in our efforts in various ways:
1. Join us at Grand Rounds and our PLRG Study Day on Friday 09
Professor Keelin O’Donoghue will present updates from the Pregnancy Loss Research Group at the Ireland South Women and Infants Network Grand Rounds from 07:30-08:00 on Friday 09 October. Later that morning, the Pregnancy Loss Research Group will host a study day (09:00-13:30) in collaboration with the Centre for Midwifery Education at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH). Details via HSeLanD.
2. Visit our exhibition on the 5th floor of CUMH
We have curated an exhibition of illustrations on experiences and journeys surrounding termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly. A small selection of these illustrations is on exhibition in the foyer of CUMH, while the fuller exhibition can be viewed on the glass corridor on the 5th floor. The illustrations by Amy Lauren, in collaboration with the Pregnancy Group, were commissioned for the recently published national information booklet on termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly.
3. Maternity staff: Complete the new HSeLanD programme and share details with colleagues
The Health Service Executive’s National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) recently launched a new e-learning programme to support all staff across all maternity services in the delivery of compassionate, evidence-informed and person-centred care for people experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. 'Supporting people experiencing pregnancy and infant loss' is available via www.hseland.ie.
4. Meet members of the team at information stand in the reception area of CUMH
From 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm each day, learn more about pregnancy and infant loss and bereavement care and resources such as our latest information booklets (termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly, first trimester miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy), policy briefs, including our Awareness & Advocacy policy brief, and our PLRG Bingo card.
5. View the new symbol display in the reception area of CUMH
These four symbols are used throughout the hospital highlight pregnancy loss, death in a multiple pregnancy, end-of-life care and pregnancy after loss.
6. Join us at the Annual CUMH Service of Remembrance on Friday 09 October
Our annual CUMH Service of Remembrance will be on Friday 09 October at 7:30pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Western Road, Cork. All are welcome to attend this multi-denominational service.
Instagram: cumhremembers
7. Take part in the Global Wave of Light on Thursday 15 October
Wherever you are, join the global Wave of Light at 7pm (Irish time) on Thursday 15 October. Along with other buildings across the country and globe, CUMH will light up in blue and pink to initiate conversations about pregnancy and infant loss.
8. Support activities across our various social media channels
Connect with us and help us to share key messages and the latest news and updates throughout the week and beyond:
- Instagram: pregnancylossresearchgroup
- LinkedIn: Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG)
- Bluesky: pregnancylossie.bsky.social.
It’s okay to not take part in Baby Loss Awareness Week too
We would also like to acknowledge that it’s okay to not take part in Baby Loss Awareness Week too. Some people may find it difficult or may not feel ready or able to take part. For others, it may not resonate. There is no right or wrong way to feel or act. You may find it helpful to opt out of certain email listings, mute related social media accounts, or take time away from online activities in general. For information and support, please see the national website www.pregnancyandinfantloss.ie.
More about Baby Loss Awareness Week
Now in its 24th year, Baby Loss Awareness Week aims to raise awareness about pregnancy and baby loss and to advocate for improvements in care and support and preventive efforts. It runs from Friday 09 October to Thursday 15 October 2025.