Read our Latest News and Counsellors’ Blogs
The Presence of Grief at Christmas: Ritual, remembrance and reassurance for parents navigating baby loss – by Ali Harris
If you are here because you have recently experienced the loss of your baby in pregnancy, birth, or beyond, I am so deeply sorry. I see you, and I know your pain. I remember it viscerally, deeply, profoundly. My first Christmas after Poppy died was eleven years ago. I...
Carrying hope forward: Why I’m proud to become a Petals Ambassador
Author Ali Harris shares how Petals helped her after the loss of her daughter, and why she’s now joining the charity as an ambassador to help other bereaved parents find hope. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of speaking at the Petals biannual conference, where...
Petals’ response to government’s proposal for bereavement leave
Government consultation open on bereavement leave. The UK government have proposed that anyone in England, Scotland and Wales who experiences pregnancy and baby loss of any kind before 24 weeks should be entitled to at least one week of unpaid bereavement leave.  A...
Amy Butterworth announced as new Chair of Trustees as Dr Dee Scadden steps down
At Petals, we’re saying a heartfelt thank you to Professor Dee (Alison) Scadden, who is stepping down as our Chair of Trustees after six influential years in the role. Dee has been an incredible source of wisdom and support throughout her time as Chair and has played...
“I can’t fix this, so let’s raise awareness about it”: Rosie and Pete’s IVF journey, heartbreaking loss and the rally that helped them to open up.
Ten years after their first loss and countless moments of "it's just not happening," Rosie and Pete embarked on their IVF journey with hearts full of cautious hope. Hoping to finally hold the child they’d been dreaming of for so long. Instead, they found themselves...
Petals Missing 20 campaign Â
Olympic Athlete Becky Adlington fronts campaign to increase mental health support following baby loss Olympian Becky Adlington is leading a campaign to increase mental health support for parents who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss. The four-time Olympic...
This book WAS meant to happen.Â
This book WAS meant to happen. Petals’ response to Ali Harris’ new book, This Wasn’t Meant To Happen.  We would like to congratulate Ali Harris on the release of her ground-breaking book, This Wasn’t Meant To Happen. The book tells the story of Sofie and Rory, whose...
Grounding Techniques Following a Loss
“Grounding” is often used as a therapeutic term, and implies connecting with our body, our breath, the ground and the present moment. Grounding can support us to manage overwhelming emotions, anchoring us and bringing a feeling of safety to hold our feelings. I also...
Hope Beyond Heartbreak: Author, Ali Harris, breaks the silence on grief after loss and her journey towards healing, hope and purpose.
Hope beyond heartbreak: A Petals Exclusive When author Ali Harris’ daughter Poppy was stillborn at 23 weeks, she found herself silenced by grief. Through Petals, she found the space and support that led her from heartbreak towards healing, hope and purpose. In this...
Finding The Words: Telling Loved Ones About Baby Loss
Experiencing the loss of a baby is devastating. In the midst of your grief, finding the words and the right time to tell friends and family can feel really hard. We hope that this blog – written by Petals Counsellor, Katie Kolind - offers some gentle guidance to help...
