Teddy’s Wish announce their third annual bereavement and wellness retreat, running over the weekend of 21 – 22 September at the unique and calming surroundings of St Katharine’s Parmoor in Henley-on-Thames. The fully-funded weekend retreat offers group therapy sessions, as well as yoga, light exercise, creative writing and mindful meditation.
The positive impact and intention behind the charity and retreats, which offer a support system for so many families, as well as funding and research into the causes behind baby loss. Ahead of the event and Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 – 15 October), Teddy’s Wish have also unveiled their "Be There" step-by-step guide on how to support friends and family who might be grieving the loss of a baby:
BABY – don’t be afraid to mention their baby’s name, or birthdays and anniversaries. All bereaved parents love hearing their baby mentioned as it acknowledges their existence.
EAR – lend an ear and listen. Too often, friends and family try to offer advice but the best support you can give is to simply be there and listen.
TALK – get in contact and stay in touch, even just a "thinking of you" text will mean so much. Bereaved parents just want to know people are thinking of them and are there for them if needed.
HELP – turn up with food, help with the cleaning. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Doing something unprompted is even better.
EXPRESSIONS – avoid fatalistic expressions, such as "things happen for a reason" or "you can have another one" as they make bereaved parents feel worse.
REPLACEMENT – another baby is not one. Some parents will go on to have subsequent children, and being pregnant again can be a terrifying and an anxious time for bereaved parents.
EXPECTATION – don’t expect parents to "get over it". Grief is an ongoing process and is always there. It is not something you ever get over or forget. It’s something you learn to live with.
Teddy’s Wish, the baby loss charity is supporting Baby Loss Awareness Week. For more information go to Teddy's Wish