Baby Loss Awareness Week begins on Sunday 9 October. For mum-of-three Gemma Perry, who lost baby Ronnie at 38 weeks in August 2021, it’s an opportunity to encourage more people to talk about it, and not bottle up their feelings.

She said: “Our whole world came crashing down. I’d lost family members, but burying your baby is something else.

“It’s important we’re more open in talking about it, so people know they’re not alone. It’s such a taboo subject and people don’t know what to say. I love to talk about Ronnie, and include him, to keep him alive within us. Everyone’s different but if we have more conversations, people will know how to help those who are going through it.”

Ronnie was Gemma’s first child with partner Dean, she also has a daughter Kaylea, 11, and they welcomed baby Archie three months ago. They recently celebrated what would have been Ronnie’s first birthday.

They found out he had died at a routine scan. Gemma was taken to our Snowdrop Suite at Queen’s Hospital, a room within our Labour ward, specifically for families experiencing baby loss, to be induced. After he was born, Gemma and Dean were supported by our bereavement midwives as they spent time with Ronnie and took prints of his hands and feet.

Gemma, 38, said: “Our bereavement midwife Louise (Brodrick) was absolutely amazing. I have so much respect for how they do their job on a daily basis.

“She checked in with us regularly and was with us with Archie every step of the way. People sometimes think things are fine when you have another baby, but it’s been very hard. Grief hits you in a second wave and every milestone Archie hits, I think that Ronnie should have reached it too.”

The family, who live in Chadwell Heath, were also supported by Aching Arms, a charity which provides teddy bears from one bereaved family to another after baby loss. The same week Gemma had Archie; another parent posted that they had received one of the bears they donated in Ronnie’s memory.

Gemma added: “It’s the one club no one wants to be part of but it’s the most supportive. Every parent on there has an understanding of how you’re feeling.”

She will be using Baby Loss week to raise awareness about having open conversations and supporting loved ones. She’ll also be taking part in the Wave of Light on Saturday 15 October, when buildings across the country, including Havering Town Hall, are lit up, and people are encouraged to light a candle at 7pm in memory of a lost baby.

A remembrance service will be held at Queen’s Hospital on Friday 14 October for staff, as well as families who have experienced baby loss.

Gemma is pictured top with Dean, Kaylea and Archie celebrating Ronnie’s first birthday.