11/10/2025
*** TRIGGER WARNING: PREGNANCY AND BABY LOSS CONTENT ***
Today we meet Kerri, Emma, Liv and Charissa from the Maternity Bereavement Team here at UHS, along with Katy, a Labour Ward midwife who helps support the team by caring for some of our bereaved families during labour and birth.
Kerri: Lead Bereavement Midwife
Though we meet families in the shadow of heartbreak, in circumstances no one should ever have to face, it remains our deepest honour to support and care for families in their darkest of days. To meet and hold their precious little ones even for the briefest of moments, is a privilege we carry with reverence.
Since joining the bereavement team four years ago, I am often asked how we can do this job. The answer is simple: we do this job for our families. It is our absolute honour to walk beside our families, supporting them and giving them the courage to navigate their grief. Their strength inspires us and we hold a special place in our hearts for each and every one of our families and their precious little ones.
Emma: Bereavement Midwife
Having worked with the Bereavement Team for a few years now on an ad hoc basis, I became a permanent member of the team last year. It is such a special role, meeting the bravest families during times of such sadness. It is nothing short of an honour to care for them and their babies
Olivia (Liv): Bereavement Midwife
Working rotationally around all ward areas at the Princess Anne Hospital, I joined the bereavement team last year and really enjoy my role in the team, learning so many new skills. It is an inspiring role to meet families in their darkest of times and see them pull through with strength they never knew they had. Although it is very difficult at times, it is deeply rewarding to know that you can make families feel a bit less alone and help them make the most precious memories with their babies.
Charissa: Bereavement Midwife
I have been a midwife for 8 years and began my career as a rotational midwife at the Princess Anne Hospital before moving into community. A year ago, I joined the Maternity Bereavement Team, driven by a desire to provide compassionate care to families experiencing loss. Supporting bereaved families through such a difficult time is an incredibly important part of our work and I feel privileged to help make a difference in their lives. I truly love being part of the team and take great pride in the care and support we offer.
Katy: Labour Ward Midwife
In the 20 years since I qualified as a midwife, I have had the honour and privilege of caring for many families and their very special babies. These little ones are like butterflies, beautiful, delicate and with us for a very short time. They only meet a handful of people and I get to be one of those privileged few. If I could wave a magic wand and fix everything, I would do so in a heartbeat. However, what I can do is help provide the best memories that I can. The memories parents make during the short time with their babies have to last a lifetime, whether its photos, hand and food prints, clay impressions, bathing baby and reading stories or simply playing music. If I can help provide those memories then I feel I have achieved something positive in a situation which is heart breaking.
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