Mansfield mum turns baby loss pain into ‘positive’ action to help others with ‘aching arms’

Gemma Morris of Berry Hill wants other mums who may have suffered losing a baby to know ‘there is help out there and it’s ‘ok to talk.”

The 38-year-old has launched a raffle, backed by Mansfield businesses, raising awareness for Baby Loss Awareness week, from October 9 – 15.

It’s part of Gemma’s efforts to thank two particular charities Tommy’s and Aching Arms, which helped her get through losing a baby at 12 weeks, in 2017 and one at 16 weeks, in 2018.

Gemma, who is a HR business partner in education, is now a busy mum to two daughters, Poppy, four, born in 2015, and Olivia, one, who arrived in 2019.

She said: "Losing a baby is absolutely heartbreaking, but one in four pregnancies end in loss. We will all know someone affected, but we may never hear about it, as it can be a taboo topic. I’m comfortable talking now, and want to help others and lift the stigma.

“I already had Poppy, so having two miscarriages, before having Olivia, was hard. After losing a baby, the next pregnancy can be an anxious and lonely time.

"Mums can feel emotionally isolated, or in physical pain. I had surgery during one of my miscarriages, I was dealing with grief and the physical effects, but people think you are OK, as you already have a child.

“I took comfort from Tommy’s and the Aching Arms charities. When you leave hospital without a baby, you literally have aching, empty arms. Through charities, I met up with other mum’s in a private online forum, and made friends with people having the same experience.

"There is a lot out there, especially online. I wanted to turn my negative experience, to something positive to help. I want to thank the parents of Alice & Olivia Emmott-Myles and Darla Charlesworth who have supported my raffle in their memories.”

She added: "Businesses around Mansfield have been generous. I have 22 prizes, everything from a chocolate hamper, books, a photo shoot, to vouchers, and more for one lucky winner!

Gemma has raised £565. To offer prizes or buy tickets see instagram @the.morris.girls Or email [email protected].