Women have come together to share their own personal stories of baby loss after Hollyoaks actress Kirsty-Leigh Porter announced the devastating news that her daughter was stillborn.
An estimated one in eight pregnancies end in miscarriage and nine babies every day are lost to stillbirth in the UK. Despite these figures, it's still rare to see so many women talking so openly about the heartbreak and the pain they - and their partners - endured after losing their child.
"Our beautiful baby girl, Penny-Leigh Barber was born sleeping on the 21st of December 2018 at 6.49am, 29 weeks & 3 days young," Kirsty wrote under image of Penny-Leigh Barber's hospital tags as well as hand and foot prints on Tuesday. "My heart has never felt pain like it. Sleep sweetly our angel. We will always love you. Love your Mummy & Daddy. My Everything."
The heartbreaking post saw a number of Instagram users to unite to share their own experiences of losing a child to send love and support to the actress - and anyone else going through the same.
Advert
One person wrote: "I'm so sorry to hear of your sad news. I too become an angel mummy last year to my beautiful little girl. She sadly grew her wings and was born sleeping at 37+4 weeks in February. There are no words that will help ease the pain. So all I will do is send one massive hug from one angel mum to another."
Somebody else posted: "I am so sorry for your loss I can't imagine what you're going through. We lost a baby in 2016 but to experience a baby born sleeping must be the worst thing you could go through. My thoughts are with you and your partner at this sad time.
"The worst heartbreak in the world. Sending you love and courage! You are stronger than you think you are. You'll always be Penny's mummy. Allow yourself to grieve, cry, shout and scream," shared another woman.
Another echoed: "So so sorry for your loss, the pain never leaves but it does get easier, without angels there are no rainbows, stay strong but let all out when you need to, the hardest part is talking when no one knows how your feeling, and you can't even describe it yourself."
"So sorry for your loss - some people don't know the pain of losing a baby and it's literally like ripping your heart out. Make sure you both stick together and be strong," penned a fifth.
Another wrote: "Oh sweetheart as a mummy of angel all your little girl knew was you're love now its time to teach the world about your little girl... Much love and strength on this difficult new path of life."
For support and advice on stillbirth and neonatal death, visit Sands.org here. For support and advice on miscarriage, visit Tommy's here.
Topics: Life News, Celebrity News, Real