Heather Reed
Listener. Speaker. Educator.
Counselling through lived experience.
The silence after a baby loss can be deafening. You feel adrift, misunderstood, maybe even blamed. But it doesn't have to be that way. I know that silence. I've been there. After my own pregnancy loss, I navigated the darkness and found a way to embrace love and joy again.
As a fellow traveler on this path, I offer a safe space to process your grief, whatever it looks like. There's no right or wrong way to grieve, and together, we can create the tools you need to keep moving forward.
Whether you're reeling from a fresh loss, unsure how to navigate the future, or facing anxieties about a subsequent pregnancy, I'm here to listen without judgment, explore coping mechanisms, and build a roadmap for healing. We can talk about the overwhelming silence, the well-meant yet hurtful comments, the complexities of navigating a new normal. And through it all, I'll be your steady presence, a witness to your pain and a guide towards hope.
This isn't just about surviving; it's about reclaiming joy. My journey after loss taught me that even in the face of unimaginable heartbreak, light can find its way back in. Let's walk this path together, one step at a time, and rewrite your story with strength, resilience, and the quiet whispers of hope.
Don't walk this path alone. Break the silence, share the grief, and reclaim hope together. I offer face to face sessions in Cheltenham/Gloucestshire area or online. I recommend hourly sessions at £40 per hour. Contact me today and let's begin.
Public Speaker
For many, baby loss remains shrouded in shadows, a topic whispered in hushed tones, its raw emotions hidden from view. But for me, it's become a burning passion to shine a light in those very shadows, to share the stories that need to be heard.
My journey through baby loss wasn't just personal; it was a crucible that forged my professional identity. I've walked the path of grief, the depths of despair, and the slow, arduous climb back towards hope. But alongside that lived experience, I've also honed my skills as a mental health professional, witnessing the struggles of countless others grappling with this same invisible storm.
This unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise fuels my passion for public speaking. My voice isn't just mine; it's a chorus of stories, a tapestry woven from the tears and triumphs of those who have walked this path. When I speak, it's not just information I offer, it's raw empathy, a shared understanding that transcends clinical jargon and PowerPoint slides.
The impact of sharing these stories is undeniable, judging by the words of those who have heard me speak:
"When Heather speaks it comes from the heart, I will remember it and I will make changes to my practice."
"From today's training, I will remember what Heather has to say the most. You can listen to power point presentations from clinicians again and again, but hearing the impact from someone who has lived it makes a difference."
"I have heard Heather speak a few times and I always learn something new."
My goal is not just to educate or inform; it's to transform. To spark conversations where silence once reigned, to ignite empathy where confusion lingered, and to empower others to embrace the light even in the darkest of times.
If you're looking for a speaker who can bring authenticity, empathy, and a genuine understanding of baby loss to your event, I invite you to listen to the chorus of voices I carry. Let's break the silence together, one story at a time.
Baby Loss and Trauma Management Training.
I provide a bespoke service to private and public sector workplaces who want to improve staff support and equip their teams with knowledge on managing baby loss and trauma.
Every type of baby loss impacts individuals, families, and those around them. It's often difficult to discuss, leaving many unequipped to support those affected. My course helps you navigate these situations and understand the true nature of baby loss.
Drawing from years of personal experience and work in the NHS's Maternal Mental Health Service, my course guides you towards a deeper understanding of baby loss and trauma, along with practical tools for future situations.
My philosophy is to partner with organizations that care about their staff, fostering open environments and providing support through life's toughest challenges.
Early intervention and appropriate support empower affected team members to manage work or return after a loss.
This one-day course, available both in-person and online, consists of the following modules:
Understanding Baby Loss: Exploring the different types and contexts of baby loss.
Individual Impact: Delving into the emotional and psychological consequences for individuals experiencing baby loss.
Workplace Impact and Early Intervention: Recognizing the effects on the workplace and strategies for timely support.
Supporting Affected Staff and Teams: Practical tools for managers and colleagues to effectively assist those experiencing loss.
Identifying Struggles: Learning to recognize signs and symptoms of trauma and PTSD in colleagues.
Beyond Assumptions: Understanding individual experiences and avoiding harmful assumptions.
Fathers and Baby Loss: Exploring the unique challenges faced by fathers.
Self-Care for Support Providers: Strategies for maintaining your own well-being while supporting others.
While focused on baby loss and trauma, these modules offer valuable insights applicable to various life challenges and mental health situations. The resulting toolkit equips you to support staff facing diverse hardships.
To further tailor the course to your specific needs, I'm happy to discuss and incorporate additional topics relevant to your staff. This course also adds to your social responsibility strategies, effectively managing them.