A journey with Abigail's Footsteps

Abigail's Footsteps & IM Listening

Welcome to 'A journey with Abigail's Footsteps', a podcast about the difference this baby loss charity is making to lives across the country. Abigail's footsteps is a charity that supports families at the most difficult time, and provides training to health care professionals. Sadly, in the UK, it's estimated that one in four pregnancies end in the loss of a baby. Despite that figure, it's still something that many find difficult to talk about and families can face a wall of silence. We're hoping that this series of podcasts will break down that wall. In this series of podcasts hosted by Nicola Everett, a very proud ambassador of Abigail's Footsteps, parents will be sharing their own experiences, which at times may be difficult to listen to, but we will also hear their inspirational stories of resilience, hope and how you can get involved in making a difference to so many amazing families.

  1. Episode 1

    From The Beginning

    A JOURNEY WITH ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS - SERIES 2  Episode 1 - Abigail's Footsteps: From The Beginning  In this episode of A Journey with Abigail's Footsteps, Nicola Everett, an ambassador for the baby loss charity Abigail’s Footsteps, introduces the second series. The podcast aims to highlight the significant impact that Abigail’s Footsteps has made on families across the UK.  Interview with Jo Ward Jo Ward, mother of Abigail and co-founder of Abigail’s Footsteps.Emotional recounting of losing her daughter at 41 weeks.Lack of adequate hospital support led to founding the charity.Evolution and ImpactFrom a local initiative to a national organisation.Provision of cold cots to hospitals allowing bereaved parents time with their babies.Establishment of Abigail’s PlaceBereavement suite at Medway Maritime Hospital named after Abigail.Facilities include bedroom, living room, kitchen, and office space for medical procedures.Support ServicesCounselling services and specialist bereavement training for healthcare professionals provided by the charity. Lynne Sheridan and Karen McIntyre discuss:Initial discussions leading to trust-wide support for creating comforting environments like Abigail's Place.Securing hospital space into homely environments offering dignity to grieving families. Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  The Abigail’s team are always happy to help.  For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk   Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/ https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/ https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity   #AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

  2. Episode 2

    Navigating Twin and Triplet Loss

    A JOURNEY WITH ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS - SERIES 2  Episode 2: Navigating Twin & Triplet Loss  Join us for an emotional journey in this episode of "A Journey with Abigail's Footsteps," where we dive deep into the difficult yet inspiring stories of parents who have experienced twin and triplet loss. Hosted by Nicola Everett, a proud ambassador of Abigail's Footsteps, this episode sheds light on the profound impact baby loss has on families across the UK.    Episode Key Points:  - Emily Cooke shares her personal experience with twin loss, highlighting the medical challenges and emotional rollercoaster she faced. - Sharon Darke & Suzie Scofield talk about their experiences and what led them to set up their own charity Footprints Baby Loss  - The importance of creating tangible memories to honour lost babies and how it aids in healing. - Insights from Jenny Bradshaw, one of Abigail’s counsellors, on supporting grieving parents through their unique journeys.   Tune in to hear these powerful stories that aim to break down the wall of silence surrounding baby loss. Listen now for heartfelt discussions filled with resilience, hope, and ways you can support affected families.  #AbigailsFootsteps #BabyLossAwareness #TwinToTwinTransfusionSyndrome #PregnancyJourney #MaternalMentalHealth #BreakingTheSilence #ParenthoodSupport #ResilienceAndHope #CharityWorkUK #NICUWarrior   Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  The Abigail’s team are always happy to help.  For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk   Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/ https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/ https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity   #AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

  3. Episode 3

    The Benefit of Baby Loss Training

    A JOURNEY WITH ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS - SERIES 2  Episode 3: The Benefit of Baby Loss Training  In this episode, we delve into the essential work being done by Abigail's Footsteps, a charity that is dedicated to providing support and training for midwives dealing with baby loss. Host Nicola Everett speaks with Paula Abramson from Bereavement Training International about her journey and partnership with Abigail's Footsteps, highlighting how their initiatives have trained over 4,500 healthcare professionals. We also hear from Kirstin Shepherd who has recently completed her training along with midwifery lecturers Laura Hutton & Joanna Swanton and Lead Counsellor Naomi Marston.  Key Takeaways:  - Importance of tailored bereavement support for each family's unique needs.  - The critical role of proper training in empowering midwives to handle sensitive situations effectively. - Real-life insights from newly qualified midwife Kirstin Shepherd on navigating emotional challenges.    Tune in to understand how these efforts are making a profound difference.   Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  The Abigail’s team are always happy to help.  For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk   Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/ https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/ https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity   #AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

  4. Episode 4

    Black Maternity Care Matters

    A JOURNEY WITH ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS - SERIES 2  Episode 4: Black Maternity Care Matters  In this episode, we delve into maternity care for black women and their families. Our guest Keji Moses shares her journey through baby loss and founding Mayah’s Legacy, a charity advocating for compassionate care after such devastating experiences. We also hear from Teean Robinson-Smith about her personal story of losing her daughter Jet. ### Key Topics Discussed: 1. **Keji Moses' Story**:   - The emotional toll of multiple miscarriages.   - Founding Mayah’s Legacy.   - Navigating cultural sensitivities around baby loss.   2. **The Importance of Culturally Sensitive Care**:   - Understanding diverse cultural practices related to pregnancy and childbirth.   - Tailoring healthcare approaches to meet specific needs without making assumptions based on race or ethnicity.   3. **Teean Smith-Robinson’s Experience**:   - Facing premature membrane rupture (PROM) at 20 weeks.   - The emotional distress caused by inadequate hospital care during COVID-19 restrictions.   - Advocating for better bereavement support in hospitals.   #AbigailsFootsteps #BabyLossAwareness #BlackMaternalHealth #MaternityCare #GriefAndHealing #KejiMosesStory #MayahsLegacy #BereavementSupport #BreakingTheSilence #CompassionateCare #CharityPodcast        Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  The Abigail’s team are always happy to help.  For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk   Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/ https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/ https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity   #AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

  5. Episode 5

    Abigail's Footsteps - Fundraising Heroes

    A JOURNEY WITH ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS - SERIES 2  Episode 5:  Abigail's Footsteps - Fundraising Heroes In the final episode of Series 2 of A Journey with Abigail's Footsteps, we explore the profound impact this baby loss charity has on families across the UK. This episode features inspiring stories from Emma Holt, Niall Cowperthwaite, Andy Purvis & Keeley Lengthorn who share their personal experiences and incredible fundraising efforts. Key Takeaways: - Emma and Niall recount their emotional journey through baby loss and how an Abigail’s cooling cot provided precious moments with their son. And discover how community support helped them raise over £20,000 for more cooling cots. - Hear about Andy Purvis’s ambitious plan to row across the Atlantic to support grieving parents. Listen now to be inspired by their strength and learn how you can make a difference!     Thanks for listening to our podcast.  Whether you need help finding support, or you would like to support us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  The Abigail’s team are always happy to help.  For more information head over to our website: abigailsfootsteps.co.uk   Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/abigails_charity/ https://www.facebook.com/AbigailsFootsteps/ https://twitter.com/AbigailsCharity   #AbigailsFootsteps, #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #GrievingParentsSupport, #PregnancyLossConversation, #BereavementCounselling, #MemoryMakingResources,  #HealthcareProfessionalTraining,  #AJourneyWithAbigailsPodcast,  #CharityForBabyLoss,  #BabyLossAwarenessWeek, #SilentGrief, #ResilienceAndHope, #BereavementTraining, #BreakingTheSilence, #SupportForBereavedParents, #CommunityKindness, #CharityImpact, #RememberingAbigail

About

Welcome to 'A journey with Abigail's Footsteps', a podcast about the difference this baby loss charity is making to lives across the country. Abigail's footsteps is a charity that supports families at the most difficult time, and provides training to health care professionals. Sadly, in the UK, it's estimated that one in four pregnancies end in the loss of a baby. Despite that figure, it's still something that many find difficult to talk about and families can face a wall of silence. We're hoping that this series of podcasts will break down that wall. In this series of podcasts hosted by Nicola Everett, a very proud ambassador of Abigail's Footsteps, parents will be sharing their own experiences, which at times may be difficult to listen to, but we will also hear their inspirational stories of resilience, hope and how you can get involved in making a difference to so many amazing families.