A woman who lost her own baby to a miscarriage is on a mission to get people talking about pregnancy loss without feeling guilt.
Catherine Maclennan, founder of The Pinks N Blues organisation, has launched the Pregnancy Loss Peer Support Group to help people to “find their own strategies through developing the tools they need to support their journey.”
She launched the organisation in 2013 after realising that there was not a strong enough support system for women who had lost a baby.
“With very little support or understanding of what I had gone through I began running Miscarriage Association support groups as a volunteer,” she said.
“I set up The Pinks N Blues to offer much-needed support – a safe space to discuss our experiences of loss through peer support.”
The 47-year-old, who has a background in youth, community and play work, is currently in the process of converting the Stirchley-based The Pinks N Blues to a charity.
She said: “We have recently reviewed our organisation and are hoping to recruit trustees and volunteers for a number of roles in the organisation.
“We have limited support beyond me at the moment, but we hope this will change very soon and we are hosting an open day Saturday (22nd September) for people to find out more about the Pinks N Blues, our plans for the future and how they can get involved as a volunteer and/or trustee.”
Around 31% of women lose their baby after pregnancy is confirmed, according to Verywell Family. But while miscarriage is common, Catherine says it is “a very personal experience.”
She advises those who know someone who has lost a baby to listen without judgment.
“Do not constantly ask them about trying again, getting tests, trying other things — they know all this,” she said. “They just need time to process their loss like any other bereavement.”
More information about Pinks N Blues can be found on their website. The Pregnancy Loss Peer Support Group takes place on 9th October.
