Parents have praised a new initiative to allow those who have experienced baby loss to ensure their child is not forgotten.

The Department for Health and Social Care has announced that any parent or surrogate that has experienced loss before 24 weeks can request a certificate that will formally recognise their loss.

Previously, only parents who suffered a pregnancy loss after 2018 could do so. However, the department says that any parent who lost a baby before 24 weeks, or before 28 weeks for a loss before October 1992, can apply.

For Ipswich mum Michelle McGunnagle, this is a step forward in honouring the babies no longer here.

“I think it’s amazing,” she said. “Having that little bit of recognition and acknowledgement that your baby existed, it means the world.”

Michelle McGunnagle founded Bear for an Angel after losing her second baby in 2010.Michelle McGunnagle founded Bear for an Angel after losing her second baby in 2010. (Image: Michelle McGunnagle) Ms McGunnagle herself experienced baby loss seven times between 2006 and 2019.

In 2010, after losing her second baby, she started Bear for an Angel, a project which offers keepsakes to bereaved parents, to honour the babies they have lost.

Luke Smith from Felixstowe, too, is dedicated to helping other bereaved parents. Mr Smith and his wife, Victoria – who are now parents to a son and a daughter – lost their baby in 2020 at 27 weeks.

More: Ipswich tattoo studio offers free tattoo to mark baby loss

“It was difficult,” said Mr Smith. “I, and many other men feel that it is as hard for the man as it is for the woman, too.”

Luke Smith, third left, and his wife Victoria, lost a baby during the Covid lockdown of 2020.Luke Smith, third left, and his wife Victoria, lost a baby during the Covid lockdown of 2020. Pictured standing with the team at Smith Family Funeral Directors. (Image: Luke Smith) The memorial tree set up in St John the Baptist Church in Felixstowe will give parents the chance to share their children's names.The memorial tree set up in St John the Baptist Church in Felixstowe will give parents the chance to share their children's names. (Image: Luke Smith) The church will be lit up in pink and blue until October 15 next week.The church will be lit up in pink and blue until October 15 next week. (Image: Luke Smith) Now the owner and director at Smith Family Funeral Directors, Mr Smith has teamed up with Breeze Memorial Service, also in Felixstowe, to light up St John the Baptist Church in the town in pink and blue, the colours of Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Parents will also have the option of placing their baby’s name on a special memorial tree within the church.

“This will give people the chance to have closure – some people never got the chance to say goodbye to their little ones,” said Mr Smith.

He, too, is pleased parents will have the option of a certificate honouring the life of their baby, no matter how brief.

“I think every heart that beats is a life, and should be honoured,” he said.

 Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:  “Losing a pregnancy can be deeply distressing - there is so much love and so many dreams for the future wrapped up in a tiny life. That's why it is important for bereaved parents to have the option to officially recognise the existence of their babies and how much they matter."

Visit the government's website to request a baby loss certificate.