Parents mourning the loss of their babies now have a peaceful space to find solace in a newly opened garden adorned with butterfly sculptures and engraved names. The Butterfly Garden is located at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, and was unveiled to coincide with national Baby Loss Awareness Week.
This garden is part of the hospital’s Butterfly Suite, which was established two years ago. The suite provides a tranquil environment for parents to grieve their babies who passed away during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
Alice Webster, the chief executive, described the garden as a “sanctuary” for those who have experienced the profound sorrow of losing a child. She emphasized that it is a place for peace, where families can seek comfort and support. “The Butterfly Garden stands as a lasting tribute to the lives of the babies we have lost and showcases the strength and resilience of the families and our hospital community,” she said.
The garden features purple metal butterflies, handcrafted by local blacksmith Nigel Barnett, alongside the names of babies. The creation of this haven took two years and involved input from bereaved families who participated in the planning process. Recently, some of these families gathered for a symbolic butterfly release.
Community members, staff, and specialist bereavement midwives collaborated on the project, which was funded by the hospital’s charity. The QEH Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) played a crucial role in developing the garden, ensuring that parents could choose aspects such as the shades of purple used.
Emily Lunny, the partnership leader, stated, “While nothing can take away the pain of losing a baby, the team at QEH has worked hard to provide the resources and facilities necessary to support women and families on this difficult journey.”
The garden’s opening will feature a performance by the King’s Lynn Rock Choir, bringing families and staff together in remembrance. Additionally, the hospital will host a Baby Loss Memorial Service by the national charity Sands in its Sacred Space on Sunday at 15:00 BST.
To conclude Baby Loss Awareness Week, the Arthur Levin Day Surgery Unit will be illuminated in blue and pink lights on Tuesday, October 15, at 19:00. This gesture will support families who light candles in memory of their babies on this day.
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