Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice – ‘Families are at the heart of everything we do’
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice helps babies, children and young people with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, and their families, make the most of every day. For those who die young, they do all that they can to bring comfort in their last moments. During this year’s Baby Loss Awareness Week, we discuss the work that goes on in ‘The Ark’ and the role of a Hospice Midwife, who is a pillar of strength for families who have suffered baby loss.
Hospice Midwives – ‘Offering expert guidance and emotional support to expectant and new mothers whose babies have an uncertain future.’
Based in palliative care settings, Hospice midwives’ first involvement with parents will usually begin with a referral from a hospital, if the unborn baby is diagnosed with a life-limiting or terminal condition. They will then help parents navigate the complications of this pregnancy, using their expertise in maternity and palliative care to give them as ‘normal’ a pregnancy as possible, and then support them through end-of-life care pathways after the baby is born. Hospice Midwives can also be involved with parents who choose to end the pregnancy early, as well as provide bereavement support for the families of babies who die shortly after birth.
Jen Burnham, is one of only four Hospice Midwives in the UK, offering support if your baby has been diagnosed with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition, even if this diagnosis comes before they are born. If your baby sadly dies, Jen can continue to provide bereavement support including memory making such casting or the creation of bespoke jewellery. In the Nursing Times, Jen says, ‘If I can get involved in the pregnancy and be involved throughout, it would massively support that family.’
Bereavement Support – ‘We understand what life can be like after a child sadly dies.’
Noah’s Ark believes in tailoring their support to your needs and can offer bereavement support to your family for three years and three months after your child has died. One of the ways in which they can support you is to provide emotional support for siblings, parents and grandparents. This can include arranging a therapist led group for dads who can share their experiences and meet others to arranging a mum’s wellbeing workshop which allows you to meet other mums whilst experiencing a gentle introduction to yoga, led by an experienced instructor. There is of course, also a chance for parents to attend a group together if this is what they prefer. The choices are endless and it is clear that Noah’s Ark have spent their time considering ways in which they can offer meaningful experiences for those who have suffered baby loss.
Each year, Noah’s Ark hold their ‘Hang a Star’ memory event in November which is a special afternoon of remembrance. This includes a non-denominational candle lighting ceremony followed by all-age memory making and craft activities.
The Butterfly Suite – ‘Our care does not stop when a child dies.’
With a trained team on hand to support you, Noah’s Ark is able to offer the following:
- Two children’s bereavement bedrooms with cold blankets and cuddle cots. These bedrooms are adapted and personalised to make the space feel as homely as possible.
- Designated family accommodation so you can stay close to your child, to visit and care for them after their death.
RWK Goodman were proud sponsors of this special event which was held on 20 September 2025 at The Otherist in London. It was more than just a celebration; it was a chance to come together, have fun and support children who are seriously unwell as well as their families. Generous donations were received which will no doubt enable Noah’s Ark to continue providing specialist care and support to those in need. RWK Goodman will continue supporting Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and the incredible work they are doing.
If you would like advice and support following a baby loss suffered by yourself or someone else, please contact our team below.
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