Support for bereaved families in Scotland is vital ahead of Mothers Day

As Mother's Day approaches, the charity Sands is sharing simple ways anyone in Scotland, and across the UK, can show they care for a mum they know, who's been touched by pregnancy or baby loss.

Article Source: Sands
Last Updated: 11 March 2026 8:35

For anyone whose baby has died, however recently or longer ago, Mother’s Day can be full of mixed emotions.

Sands’ Director of Bereavement Support and Volunteering Jen Coates said: “We know from bereaved families that have experienced baby loss, days like Mother’s Day can be full of mixed emotions. At Sands we understand that you are still and will always be a mum, no matter when your loss happened. And we are here for you.

“For those wanting to support a bereaved mum, we understand that you may not know, or be worried about, what to say around Mother’s Day. The run-up to Mother’s Day can be difficult for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, and some mums may need help to express how they feel and what they need. So, we’ve put together ten simple things you can say or do to show that you care.

“Family, friends, and work colleagues may feel unsure how to handle the lead up to Mother's Day with someone touched by pregnancy or baby loss. However, saying or doing something is better than nothing at all.”

Sands has published tips on its website about simple things anyone can do to show they care.

10 ways to support someone touched by pregnancy or baby loss this Mother's Day:

1. A simple message such as 'I'm thinking of you' can make all the difference.
2. Let them know you understand they may be finding Mother’s Day difficult.
3. Say their baby's name.
4. Ask them how they are and if there is anything they need.
5. Reassure that it's ok to feel how they are feeling.
6. Encourage them to take things at their own pace, one step at a time - the Sands Wellbeing Box is a thoughtful way to show someone that you are thinking of them and has all of the items to help them prioritise their self-care.
7. Encourage them to do what is best for them, even if that means saying 'no' or stepping back.
8. Offer to do an activity together - a walk, a coffee - if they would like to.
9. Be yourself and be genuine in whatever you say. If you think you've said something unhelpful, just apologise and say something like “I'm really sorry and I think I might be getting this wrong, but I'd just like to let you know that I am here for you.”
10. Say “I’m sure days like this are especially hard, but how can I also support you throughout the year?”

Bereaved mums will always remember their babies
Katie Fraser, from Carmyle, Glasgow, experienced a “terrible pregnancy” as a result of hyperemesis gravidarum. She gave birth to her baby boy Alexander at 33 weeks and three days on 1 July 2022. He passed peacefully and quietly at 5pm on 2 July with a promise that he would be loved and missed forever.

Katie said: “As hard it was to lose Alexander, we will always cherish the time we had with him. Those two days were the best of our lives, even though at the same time our hearts were breaking, and it meant so much that during that time some of our family got to meet him.

“Losing a baby is so hard and we’re still in the early days of navigating dealing with the loss of Alexander, but one thing is easy; keeping the promise we made to our baby boy, to love and miss him forever.

“This Mother’s Day my flowers will have larkspur (his birth flower), we will visit Alexander's dedication at our local tree of remembrance, and I’ll be proudly wearing my 'Mumma' jumper with his name embroidered on the sleeve as I find comfort in finding ways to include and remember him.

“Mother’s Day can be so hard as you miss them so much but my beautiful baby boy made me Mumma and that is something I want to celebrate however I can.”

Other ways you can help support a bereaved mum
The simplest of actions and words can make the most difference. If you are a relative or friend, letting bereaved mums know you are thinking of them can go a long way.

They are still a mum, and the saddest days are those when that is forgotten or not acknowledged.

Sending a Mother's Day bouquet token is a lovely way to let them know they are in your heart or choosing one of the range of cards available from Sands' online shop.

This Mother's Day and beyond, we can recognise all the wonderful mums and grandmothers, aunties and special caregivers in our lives. Whether our children can be held in our arms or in our hearts and minds, they'll always be something very special to celebrate.

Whether you want to honour your partner, a family member or friend, or even a work colleague, show them how amazing they are with a heartfelt dedication.

Sands here to support this Mother's Day
Sands' bereavement support services are here for anyone who needs this in the run up to Mother's Day and on the day.

Sands Helpline opening hours:
• Monday to Friday – 10.00am to 3.00pm
• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 6.00pm to 9.00pm
• Mother’s Day (Sunday 15 March) – 10.00am to 12.00pm

t: 0808 164 3332
e: helpline@sands.org.uk
w: sands.community
w: sands.org.uk/support

Find out more about all the ways the charity offers bereavement support.

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