Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth, whenever this happened and for as long as they need support.
Babies are dying every day. Currently in the UK, 13 families a day suffer the heartbreak of losing their baby before, during or shortly after birth. That’s around 4,500 babies a year. And at least 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. These numbers are shocking and show the scale of the problem.
Currently, far too many babies die without scientists, doctors, midwives, or their own parents understanding why. That’s why we believe research is vital in improving our understanding of how to save babies’ lives and using that evidence to drive changes in maternity policy and practice.
For more than 40 years, Sands has been here for anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss to offer understanding and comfort through its Freephone helpline, online community and resources, and locally through a UK-wide network of around 100 regional support groups.
Sands works in partnership with health care professionals, trusts and health boards and offers a range of training programmes and bereavement care resources to ensure that every bereaved parent and family receives the best possible care wherever they are in the UK.
Sands supports and promotes research to better understand the causes of baby deaths, improve maternity safety and save babies’ lives. The charity also raises awareness of baby loss and works with governments, key influencers and other stakeholders to make reducing the number of babies dying a priority nationally and locally.