Trees have been placed at an Oxford NHS trust so bereaved families can display messages in memory of their babies.
The remembrance trees are part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's work to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024, which runs from October 9 to 15.
The annual awareness week, now in its 22nd year, is an opportunity for bereaved parents, families, and friends to commemorate babies' lives and raise awareness of baby loss.
The trees are located on the gynaecology ward, neonatal unit, and level 7 of the women’s centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, at the early pregnancy assessment unit in Rose Hill, and at Horton General Hospital's midwifery-led unit in Banbury.
Paula Gallacher, bereavement specialist midwife at the trust, said: "Baby Loss Awareness Week is a chance for those affected by baby loss and their families and friends to unite and speak with others to commemorate these lost lives.
"It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the issues surrounding baby loss and what charities and other organisations are doing to provide support.
"The remembrance trees and messages enable women and their families to express a private and public declaration in memory of their babies.
"It is a beautiful symbol of remembrance and sometimes shared actions, such as placing a leaf on the tree, can say more and be more meaningful than words."
Dedications can be emailed to the trust at bereavementmidwives@ouh.nhs.uk
There will also be a service in the chapel at the John Radcliffe Hospital on Thursday, October 10, at 11.30am.
The 15-minute service will be hosted by chaplain Ruth Fitter, and it will be open to everyone affected by baby loss.
The trust's bereavement team will attend the service and will be available to families on request to support anyone who cannot attend.
As part of the global Wave of Light event, people are encouraged to light a candle at 7pm on Thursday, October 15, and leave it burning for at least one hour to join in remembering all babies who have died.
It is an opportunity to join other families across the world to pause, reflect and remember.
People can also get involved by taking a photo of their candles and posting on Facebook or X using #WaveOfLight.
There will be a small light up at the Rose Hill Community Centre in Oxford, and on level 7 of the John Radcliffe Hospital to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.
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