Honoring Little Lives Lost
October 9–15 marks Miscarriage Awareness Week, a time to remember and honour all the little lives lost too soon.
Having experienced the pain of pregnancy loss myself, I see this week differently now. It is not really for those of us who have already walked this path. We do not need a reminder to grieve the babies we never got to hold. They are always with us- in our hearts and our thoughts.
However, this week matters because miscarriage, while incredibly common, remains a subject wrapped in silence. 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in loss, yet it is still treated as something too painful or awkward to speak about openly.
Breaking the Silence Around Loss
When we asked women what they struggled with most during pregnancy loss, one answer kept coming up: “suffering in silence.” This should not be the norm.
For too long, stigma has shaped how we talk about pregnancy and miscarriage. We are told to stay quiet until after 12 weeks. We hesitate to say, “this is not my first pregnancy,” because the first ended in loss. And when we do speak up, too often we hear, “at least you can get pregnant,” instead of the kindness and compassion we need.
This silence only deepens the pain. It isolates the very people who most need support.
A Step in the Right Direction
There are signs of change. By 2027, an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill will give employees the right to bereavement leave for miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy. Until now, this right only applied after 24 weeks.
This change means parents will no longer need to use sick leave to take the time they need to grieve and begin to heal.
Of course, more must be done. We need dedicated care units so that women do not have to face the devastation of miscarriage in maternity wards surrounded by glowing pregnant women and newborns. But this is at least a step in the right direction.
Recognising Miscarriage as Postpartum
If there is one message I hope people take away, it is this: the time after miscarriage is postpartum.
There may be no baby to hold, but the physical and emotional recovery is very real. Hormonal changes, uterine contractions, exhaustion, and shock all mirror what happens after birth. In many cases, the emotional toll is even greater.
This is why it is so important to show up for women after pregnancy loss in the same way we would for someone who has just given birth. Cook a meal. Offer comfort. Listen.
Creating Space to Heal
Once we start seeing pregnancy loss through the lens of postpartum recovery, we can create a culture where women have the support they need to heal fully.
We can help end the cycle of suffering in silence.
We can make space for honesty, care, and community.
We can honour not only the babies who are no longer with us, but also the women who carry their memories in their hearts forever.
At Carea, we are currently looking to share real women’s stories about fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum to offer hope and inspiration to others walking similar paths. If you’d like to share your story (even anonymously), we’d be honored to feature it in our app and on our Instagram. Simply fill out our short questionnaire to take part.
The Balance of Play
I hate admitting that because I value play so deeply, especially in those precious early years. It’s how our children learn, explore, imagine and build confidence. But as a mum trying to keep a household running and a business growing, it’s not always easy to appreciate those moments.
Part Time Working Mummy Interview: Rachaele Hambleton & Josh Marshall
Rachaele Hambleton, aka Part Time Working Mummy, is an inspirational mum of six. The incredible 43-year-old is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author—four times over—founder of The Patchwork House, a support and guidance service for vulnerable individuals and families, and she’s also a successful entrepreneur, which includes her own clothing brand REBL.
Introducing Amanda Marks
We’re thrilled to welcome our new columnist Amanda Marks. Amanda is a Renowned Breastfeeding, Food & Sleep Consultant
With over 40 years of experience supporting families, Amanda Marks is a highly respected breastfeeding, food, and sleep consultant. Based in prestigious locations including 10 Harley Street, London, and Alderley Edge, Cheshire, Amanda has worked with families from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities and royalty, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
An Interview with English Professional Boxer Chris Billam-Smith
At BROOD, we’re always drawn to stories that celebrate not just professional triumphs, but the heart and humanity behind them. Someone who embodies this spirit perfectly is Chris Billam-Smith—a world-class athlete
whose grit in the ring is matched only by his devotion to his family.
Why Family Gardening Is Having a Quiet Comeback
There’s a noticeable shift happening in how families spend their time. It isn’t loud or trend-led, and it’s rarely documented with before-and-after shots. Instead, it’s quieter and slower, rooted in small routines and shared moments. Family gardening is part of that change.
From Parliament to the Premier League: Campaigning for survivors of domestic abuse during this #16DaysOfActivism
Our Head of Social Causes and Sub-Editor Teresa Parker was joined by BROOD Editor-in Chief Lolo Stubbs at an event in Parliament on the 2nd December 2025 to mark ten years of coercive control legislation. Teresa organised the event through her consultancy Teresa Parker Media, in partnership with Hawkins, Laxton & Co, which is run by her former colleagues Clare and Sian.
WHY PARENTS NEED A WILL (Even If You Don’t Think You Do)
A lot of people still think wills are only for the wealthy or the elderly. I hear this all the time. In reality, wills are about far more than dividing up money.
Learning to let go – the empowerment edit with Sarah Jayne Dunn
Have you ever found yourself in a situationship that doesn’t serve you? You’re not sure why, you can’t quite put your finger on it, but deep down, something doesn’t feel right. Your gut is nudging you, your heart feels heavy, the energy is off, and somewhere in the background, the alarm bells are starting to ring.
PETER SIDWELL’S HOMEMADE WAGONWHEELS & HOB-NOB STYLE BISCUITS
This month, I’m thrilled to share two of our all-time favourite bakes: our homemade Hob Nobs and nostalgic Wagon Wheels. These recipes are more than just sweet treats—they’re time capsules. The Hob Nobs came from a rainy weekend when we had oats, butter, and not much else in the cupboards. The kids loved rolling the dough into little biscuit balls and watching them flatten in the oven. Dipping them in chocolate was the final touch—well, that and licking the spoon clean!
Building a Brand from the Kitchen Table
Mum-of-two Megan Ford shares how family life, late nights, and a passion for purposeful play sparked the beginnings of Ellor & Co — proving that big dreams really can start at the kitchen table.
