During June 2017 we will share 15 blogs by 15 people who have been affected by the death of a baby. By doing this we aim to show the sheer number of people who are affected by the tragedy of one baby’s death. Visit our 15 Perspectives webpage to view other blogs in the series

Hello. My name is Emma Kedge, Chair of Sands’ Surrey support group, and this is my story:

The noise that came out of me when I was told that my baby boy Oscar had died still haunts me today. I was having a completely normal pregnancy until that point but I had noticed his movements were not the same. At that time there wasn’t a bereavement suite at Kingston Hospital, and I was distraught when I learnt that I had to give birth to Oscar in the labour ward.

The care I received, however, was amazing and everything was tailored to our needs. Part of that care was being given a Surrey Sands memory bag which contained Sands booklets and other truly thoughtful items. I found it comforting to know that other people had been through the same thing and cared so deeply. A month later, my husband and I attended a Surrey Sands support group meeting. I didn’t feel the need to talk, as it was enough to know that everyone there just ‘got it’.

Today, I am the chair of Surrey Sands who work with seven other hospitals, and up until late last year Kingston was the only remaining one without a bereavement suite. When space became available we were thrilled to have the opportunity to turn two small offices into a positive environment where bereaved families can spend time with their babies. Last November the Daisy Room was officially opened. For me this is an example of what being part of Surrey Sands is all about: working together to continue to improve the experience of future parents in their time of need.

15 babies die before, during or shortly after birth every day in the UK. 15 too many. We want to reduce this number, but we need your help. Support our #15babiesaday initiative by donating or fundraising now.