‘Angel in human form’ Preston midwife who helps families bereaved by loss in pregnancy

Claire Braithwaite, Lead Bereavement Midwife at the Trust (left) with her award.

A midwife at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals has won a prestigious award for her bereavement care.

Claire Braithwaite, Lead Bereavement Midwife at the Trust won an award from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) last week, for the standard of personalised care she provides to bereaved families after a pregnancy loss.

Claire described as “an angel in human form”, won the Outstanding Contribution to Midwifery Services: Pregnancy Loss and Bereavement Care at The Brewery London last month.

The award recognises excellence in bereavement care provision by maternity staff for women and their families when a baby dies.

Claire Braithwaite, Lead Bereavement Midwife at the Trust.

Claire said: “Receiving this award demonstrates that as an organisation we are getting bereavement care right for families. More importantly, we know this approach is appreciated because mothers, fathers and grandparents have told us in their feedback.

“These families have lost so much, and we have a responsibility to talk about all options, however difficult that is and to ultimately help make memories that have to last a lifetime.

“This award is great recognition for our team including all the midwives on the delivery suite, the community midwives, the staff on the ward, the neonatal team, the chaplaincy service, the medical illustration team and Blended Learning. Supporting bereaved families starts the moment a family are told of a miscarriage, pregnancy loss, stillbirth or neonatal death. Every member of staff who comes into contact from that moment plays a key part in care. It is always a team effort. None of it could happen individually, it’s about everybody coming together.”

Claire dedicated the award to the families she continues to care for, as well as to her colleagues who work alongside her to ensure that responsive bereavement care after a baby loss is always available.

She was nominated by Jo Lambert, the Divisional Nursing and Midwifery Director.

Claire Braithwaite receiving her award on stage.

Jo said: “The role of the bereavement midwife is to be an advocate, to think creatively, sometimes unconventionally, without assumptions based on age, ethnicity, gestation of the pregnancy or age of the baby.

“It is about providing real options, being flexible and giving time and space to families to consider what is important to them. Choice and personalisation in maternity care are high on the national agenda and offering meaningful memories provides autonomy and personal care at such a difficult time.

“I am really proud of Claire and the whole team for the care that they give and the compassion they show when supporting bereaved families.”

In preparation for the judging process by the RCM panel, Claire reached out to families she has cared for.

They sent thank you messages and pictures, and she was privileged that families wanted to contribute, to tell their stories, and share precious memories.

Claire added: “I speak to families and staff about reducing trauma and making a connection with their baby. When people go through a bereavement, they grieve by telling stories and recalling memories, whether that’s bathing your baby, taking hand and footprints, going for a walk, or taking baby home or to a special place.

“This approach can make saying goodbye less painful and less permanent because the memories are made and choices clear.”

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