Maternity bereavment services at Wexham Park Hospital
Meet the team
Claire Litchfield is our specialist bereavement midwife team at Wexham Park Hospital
A Caring Environment
The Willow Suite is a dedicated private suite for bereaved families, enabling them to have time together in early labour and following the birth of their baby. The suite provides some home comforts, together with the support of the midwifery team. Families have access to a cold cot which will enable them to spend as much time with their baby as they would like.
Memory Making
Many parents feel it is important to create memories of their experience and their baby, and to have keepsakes to share together and with other family members, friends and children for years to come.
We offer support in making decisions about memory making that is right for you. We can provide a keepsake box, in which families can keep photographs, clothes or other mementos.
We can provide professional photographs and our midwives will take hand and footprints from the baby if families would like. We will assist families in seeing and holding the baby, washing and dressing the baby and we can facilitate visits from spiritual leaders or chaplaincy should families wish.
Spiritual support
The hospital Chaplaincy Service includes representatives from all faiths and they are here to support families in any way that they need. The team is committed to listening to parents and you don’t have to be religious to talk to a member of the team. Many parents have found it useful to help them through this difficult time.
Chaplains are always contactable and run an out-of-hours 24/7 emergency provision. They can be reached by phoning the office (01753 633660) or via the hospital switchboard (01753 633000).
Practical & Emotional Support
We are able to provide practical support and guidance in relation to registration of birth, arranging post-mortems and funerals. Also we are available for emotional support and are able to signpost you to other organisations who can help.
Follow up
Our team will liaise with the community midwives, GP’s, antenatal clinic and screening to ensure that everyone is aware so that no inappropriate contacts are made. We provide home visits, or can support families over the phone or by text message.
All families are invited back to the hospital for an appointment with their Consultant to go over the events of the pregnancy, receive support and discuss results from investigations and post mortem results if there has been one. Depending on the types of investigations performed sometimes the appointments can be up to 12 weeks after admission to the hospital. Often these appointments are a stressful and emotional time and for this reason a member of the specialist bereavement team can attend these appointments to give extra support. We can also be available to families in future pregnancies.
Baby memorial service
On the last Saturday of November each year, we hold a baby memorial service at the hospital. All are welcome to attend.
Frequently asked questions
Partners are able to stay with you at all times and we would welcome your family to the suite.
Any home comforts you would like, such as a pillow, easy clothes, music and snack that you like.
Generally we would recommend that your labour would be induced and your baby born naturally however, this depends on circumstances and a plan will be made with you when you come in.
Several types of pain relief are available and will be offered as needed.
If you are physically fit you will be able to go home when you are ready. You will be given the opportunity to spend as much time as you wish with your baby.
Sometimes we don’t know why babies have died however; you will be offered investigations such as blood, urine and swab tests, which may help to explain what has happened. You will also be offered the opportunity of Post-mortem examination if you would like.