Baby loss certificates 'would mean a lot' - mum

Helen Sheppard's daughter was delivered stillborn at 24 weeks

The introduction of a baby loss certificate scheme on the Isle of Man would be "recognition of a baby's life", a mother has said.

Helen Sheppard, who founded A Little Piece of Hope after her daughter was delivered stillborn at 24 weeks in 2011, said the paperwork would make the loss "a lot easier".

Last month, a voluntary government scheme was launched for parents in England who lose a baby before 24 weeks to record their loss.

Health Minister Lawrie Hooper MHK said Manx Care was instead exploring "the possibility of implementing a similar scheme for Manx residents".

'Many don't have memories'

Speaking in the House of Keys on Tuesday, Mr Hooper said losing a baby was a "distressing experience" for anyone and having a formal acknowledgment of "this devastating loss can help support parents through their grief".

In response to a question from Sarah Maltby MHK, he told the house Manx Care’s lead midwife for bereavement care had made enquiries into introducing a similar scheme, including speaking to a local baby loss charity to gather feedback.

The island's healthcare body also planned to have further meetings with the island's registrar, Mr Hooper said.

Until an official Manx scheme can be introduced, a commemorative certificate of birth will be available from the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (Sands) website, the health minister confirmed.

Ms Sheppard from Port Erin said "many parents who lose babies under 24 weeks don't have pictures, many don't have memories".

It would "mean a lot to a parent who has nothing to remember their baby by" and provide official recognition "your baby was a person and was alive".

"We’ve spoken to many parents over the year who agree this is something that should been done years ago", she added.