Sheffield mum sets up support network to help women who have experienced miscarriage

A Sheffield mum has set up a support network for women who have experienced baby loss or miscarriage after she felt ‘lonely’ and ‘unsupported’ after her own.
By Lloyd Bent
Published 12th Apr 2021, 15:16 BST
Updated 12th Apr 2021, 15:17 BST

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Anna Reynolds, 30, of Abbey Lane, experienced her miscarriage in October last year, and said that she struggled to find a support network or any easily accessible care in Sheffield to help her.

Knowing how sad and lonely the experience can be, Anna decided to set up a network of people who have been through the same experience, in order to create a place where women can meet up and share how they feel about the often-taboo subject with sympathetic companions.

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Anna, who lives in Sheffield with her husband and two-year-old son, said: “This network is made up of people who have had similar experiences coming together to support eachother.

Anna Reynolds set up the Sheffield MIscarriage Support Network.Anna Reynolds set up the Sheffield MIscarriage Support Network.
Anna Reynolds set up the Sheffield MIscarriage Support Network.

"When I experienced baby loss I was shocked at how little support there was available. I came out of hospital and asked if there was any and I was told ‘no’ basically.

"I felt lonely. I think it is quite a lonely grief because you are grieving somebody that nobody has ever met.

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"It felt quite isolating when I was talking about it to people who have not experienced the same thing. I think that makes it quite difficult to understand.

Anna Reynolds has set up the support group.Anna Reynolds has set up the support group.
Anna Reynolds has set up the support group.
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"I think people tend to avoid the topic for fear of saying something that makes it worse, and they feel on edge or uncomfortable talking about it.

"In this support network people can share as much or as little as they want, but it is about making a space where, if you do want to talk about it, you would be supported by a group of women who have felt the way you feel and so will respond with a bit more understanding.”

Anna added: “We have had a very positive reaction so far. We will offer support groups which will take the form of coffee mornings when allowed, and will be virtual for the time being.

"We also plan to partner up with GPs, who will also be able to offer practical and medical advice.”

You can get in touch with Anna about the group by visiting the website, through Facebook, or on Instagram.

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