Can TikTok Help You Heal After Losing a Newborn?

Maddie Biggs's journey into motherhood took a harrowing turn in 2023 when she experienced the devastating loss of her premature son, Teddy, who was born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This year, as she prepares to celebrate Christmas with her daughter, Emilia, Maddie reflects on the bittersweet joy and grief that coexist in her life, highlighting the importance of sharing her experience with baby loss on social media to foster understanding and support.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Maddie Biggs continues to share her journey on TikTok, where she has garnered a following of nearly 40,000 people intrigued by her candid discussions regarding baby loss and parenting after tragedy. As the holiday season approaches, Maddie is preparing to celebrate Christmas with her daughter, Emilia, while also honouring the memory of her late son, Teddy. This juxtaposition of joy and grief is a significant theme in Maddie's life, reflecting the complex emotions many parents face when dealing with loss.

Key takeaways

Maddie's son, Teddy, was born prematurely with a congenital condition, CDH.
After his short life, Maddie turned to TikTok to document her grief and connect with others.
She aims to normalise conversations about baby loss, which is often viewed as a taboo topic.
With the arrival of her daughter, Emilia, Maddie navigates the complexities of joy and sorrow simultaneously.
The Biggs family continues to honour Teddy during significant occasions like Christmas.

Timeline: how we got here

To understand Maddie Biggs's journey, here's a brief timeline of key events:

September 2023: Maddie shares her experience with the premature birth of her son, Teddy, on TikTok, reaching a vast audience.
29 September 2023: Maddie goes into premature labour at 29 weeks, leading to Teddy's birth and subsequent passing within 24 minutes due to CDH.
October 2023: The Biggs family welcomes their daughter, Emilia, marking a new chapter alongside the ongoing remembrance of Teddy.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Maddie has been actively sharing her journey on TikTok, focusing on the upcoming Christmas celebrations and reflecting on how to blend the joy of having Emilia with the sorrow of missing Teddy. Her recent posts highlight the significance of maintaining Teddy's memory during family festivities.

What was already established

Previously, Maddie had shared the emotional challenges surrounding Teddy's loss and the support she received from health professionals in the Blossom Suite. Her videos have become a source of comfort and connection for many who have experienced similar grief, breaking down societal barriers around discussing baby loss.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The emotional weight of baby loss can have profound implications for families, especially during significant times like holidays. For many, the absence of a child can overshadow celebrations, prompting a need for support systems and understanding from the community. Those navigating this grief often seek ways to honour their lost children while creating new memories with surviving family members.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses that provide support for bereaved families, such as those involved in the creation of keepsakes or memorial items, may see an increased demand during sensitive periods like Christmas. There is also a growing awareness among healthcare professionals about the importance of providing empathetic care and support for families experiencing loss.

Policy and regulation

In the UK, there is an ongoing conversation about improving support for parents who suffer pregnancy loss. Initiatives to enhance training for healthcare providers in bereavement care are essential, as evidenced by the invaluable work done by the team at the Blossom Suite. Increased funding and resources in maternity services could further improve support for grieving families.

Numbers that matter

Approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies in the UK end in miscarriage, highlighting the prevalence of pregnancy loss.
Around 3,000 babies are stillborn each year in the UK, emphasising the need for improved bereavement support.
Research shows that 80% of parents who experience baby loss report feeling isolated, underscoring the importance of community and support networks.
Over 40% of parents who have lost a baby find it difficult to talk about their experiences, which Maddie aims to address through her advocacy.
Social media has become a crucial platform for sharing stories of loss, with many finding solace and community online.

Definitions and jargon buster

CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia): A birth defect where a hole in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity, affecting lung development.
Blossom Suite: A dedicated bereavement suite in Broomfield Hospital that provides a supportive environment for families experiencing baby loss.
Baby loss garden: A tranquil space designed for families to remember and honour their lost children.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, families experiencing baby loss can benefit from support groups or online communities where they can share their feelings and experiences. It is also crucial for healthcare providers to continue offering compassionate care to grieving parents, especially during significant dates such as holidays.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As families navigate the complexities of grief, it may be beneficial to establish rituals or memorials to honour lost children. This could involve annual celebrations, donations to relevant charities, or creating keepsakes that serve as reminders of their loved ones.

Signals to watch

Increased engagement in social media discussions surrounding baby loss, indicating a shift towards more open conversations.
Emergence of new support initiatives or resources for parents dealing with pregnancy loss.
Government or healthcare announcements regarding policies aimed at improving bereavement care.

Practical guidance

Do

Seek out support groups or online communities if you are navigating baby loss.
Talk openly about your feelings and experiences with trusted friends or family members.
Establish memorials or rituals to honour your lost child, fostering healing and remembrance.

Don’t

Isolate yourself; reach out for support when needed.
Avoid discussing your loss; it is important to share your story.
Feel guilty about your emotions; it is normal to experience both joy and grief.

Checklist

Find a local or online support group for parents dealing with baby loss.
Create a memory box or scrapbook to honour your child's memory.
Plan a special occasion to remember your lost child alongside new family traditions.
Consider volunteering or donating to organisations that support bereaved families.
Stay informed about available resources and support services in your area.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While sharing experiences of baby loss can foster community and support, it is essential to approach the topic with care. Responses to such discussions may vary, and some individuals may not find public sharing helpful. It is crucial to respect diverse grieving processes and understand that what works for one person may not be suitable for another. Additionally, the societal stigma surrounding baby loss can lead to feelings of isolation; therefore, encouraging open dialogue is vital to mitigate these challenges.

Bottom line

Maddie Biggs's story highlights the complex interplay of joy and grief that many families experience after losing a child. By sharing her experiences openly on social media, she not only honours Teddy's memory but also contributes to a broader conversation about baby loss, fostering understanding and support within the community. As the holiday season approaches, the Biggs family exemplifies how to navigate these emotions while creating new memories with their daughter, Emilia.

FAQs

What is congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)?

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect where a hole in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity, which can impede lung development.

How can I support someone who has experienced baby loss?

Supporting someone who has experienced baby loss involves listening, acknowledging their grief, and offering practical help, such as providing meals or assistance with daily tasks.

What resources are available for parents dealing with baby loss in the UK?

In the UK, resources for parents dealing with baby loss include support groups, online communities, and bereavement services offered by hospitals and charities focused on pregnancy and infant loss.