The Cost of Pregnancy Loss: For Employers and Parents, Compassionate Support is Essential

Supporting employees through pregnancy loss isn’t just about policy—it’s about creating a workplace culture that truly values people’s real-life experiences.

Earlier this year, I experienced a miscarriage. I was at work, treating a client when it happened. In that moment, my roles as a professional and as a mother collided. While I had to keep my composure for my client, inside I was processing the shock, grief, and confusion of losing a pregnancy that I’d already begun to envision as part of my life. The experience made me realise just how crucial structured support in the workplace is, especially for those who may not feel able to disclose their experience to employers.

The Ripple Effect of Pregnancy Loss on Employers and the Workforce: Untreated maternal mental health issues cost the UK economy an estimated £8.1 billion each year, according to the Centre for Mental Health. While this figure may seem overwhelming, each employer can play a role in reducing this burden by ensuring appropriate support is available for employees facing challenges like pregnancy loss. Pregnancy loss often involves sick leave, lower productivity, and in some cases, employees may leave the workforce altogether. Although some employers now offer bereavement leave for pregnancy and baby loss, according to research from the CIPD, only 37% of employers have policies that address pregnancy and baby loss, and most of these only cover bereavement leave without practical support to help employees navigate physical and emotional challenges or reintegrate into work.

"Loss doesn’t just impact the individual; it ripples out into their families, relationships, and work lives. And for employers, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference."

One in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage, and only 60% of mothers remain in the workforce five years after having a baby, often citing a lack of support during crucial times. When pregnancy loss is involved, the need for understanding and support becomes even more pressing, yet comprehensive policies are still rare.

Why Compassionate Support Matters: Pregnancy loss is often a silent struggle, with more than 70% of parents experiencing mental health challenges after loss. Grief can impact focus, productivity, and engagement, sometimes leading to burnout or even resignation. Research from the Mental Health at Work Report 2018 by Business in the Community shows that employees who feel their mental health is supported are 60% more likely to be productive and engaged at work. When employers offer meaningful support, 60% of employees report a positive impact on their mental well-being, and 57% say they intend to stay with their employer for the foreseeable future.

As Rosie Leverton, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Tommy’s, noted, “Policies must be accompanied by training and a wider shift in culture to help develop supportive workplace communities where people feel able to share what’s happening or has happened, ask managers for help when needed, and ensure they get the sort of help that is appropriate and works for them.”

The FLY Mama Approach – Comprehensive Support for Maternity and Bereavement Policies: At FLY Mama, we are committed to filling this gap in workplace support. Co-founded by myself, a trauma-informed women’s health physiotherapist and Pilates instructor, and Kelly, a Somatic Therapist, Yoga, Breathwork, and Motherhood Coach, FLY Mama was built to address the complex, unique needs of mothers. Over years of treating mothers in my clinic, I’ve seen how physical recovery is often intertwined with mental well-being. During lockdown, I realised that I could bring this essential support to more women—women who may not have had the chance to work with a women’s health physio but who deserved this same expert-led support.

Working alongside other experts, including mental health specialists, we developed FLY Mama to support mothers through the full range of experiences. What started as general motherhood support quickly expanded as we listened to the stories mothers were sharing with us. Many spoke of navigating miscarriage, the heartache of trying to conceive a second child, or facing difficult decisions around termination for medical reasons. Some shared stories of stillbirth or neonatal loss. This inspired us to expand FLY Mama from general motherhood and birth trauma to a comprehensive, trauma-informed offering that supports mothers at every stage, providing employers with a full-spectrum solution for their maternity policies.

"Supporting employees isn’t just a benefit; it’s essential for creating a resilient workplace that genuinely cares for its people."

One of the tools we developed to support this need is the Rainbow Baby Bundle. This resource is designed specifically for parents who have experienced loss and are now navigating pregnancy again. It includes mental health resources, anxiety management tools, and supportive content that can help them through this uniquely challenging time.

What FLY Mama Offers Employers: Our work packages are specifically designed to offer employers a complete maternity and bereavement package that employees can trust. We support mothers through self-paced courses, live sessions, and a community-driven approach that brings flexibility and compassion into the workplace. For employers, this provides a robust, inclusive solution that supports all employees, whether they’re navigating motherhood or recovering from perinatal loss. Our programs also consider partners, who often carry their own grief and need support as they help their loved ones through recovery.

Jill Miller, Senior Diversity and Inclusion Adviser at the CIPD, shared, “Pregnancy and baby loss don’t just impact women in the workplace. Employers should ensure their workplace support includes partners, who are often providing support as well as grieving themselves. It’s essential that the organisation’s approach is underpinned by the principles of empathy and inclusivity.”

Here’s what some of our FLY Mama users and professionals in the field have said about the impact of compassionate support:

• Laura Atherton, Milk Bank Bereavement Lead: “When we heard about the Fly Mama support platform, we knew that we wanted to be able to offer this to the families that we support. Their bundles offer support designed to meet specific circumstances for each family which they can access 24 hours a day.”

• Sara Balmford, Perinatal Midwife at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice: “FLY Mama is easy to navigate and offers tools for families that can be used for years. From speaking with families I support, it is clear to see that the bundles offer unique holistic support. Families who had previously felt alone and isolated after late pregnancy loss now have support and a reason to look after themselves.”

• Feedback from a Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice user: “I’ve been using FLY Mama since my second trimester. I suffer from anxiety, and having had previous losses prior to this pregnancy it has really heightened. I’ve found the Rainbow Baby bundle to be a really useful tool not only for preventing attacks of anxiety but also tools for when I am having an attack.”

Creating a Compassionate, Resilient Workplace Culture: When employers acknowledge and address the effects of pregnancy loss, they create an environment where mothers feel valued and supported. FLY Mama’s programmes not only meet the immediate needs of those facing loss but also provide comprehensive maternity and motherhood support. This inclusive approach improves team morale and retention. A well-rounded maternity and bereavement package, supported by professionals, isn’t just about policies—it’s about nurturing a resilient, caring community.

If You’re Ready to Make a Difference: Whether you’re an individual navigating this journey or an employer committed to fostering a compassionate workplace, FLY Mama is here to help. Together, we can create a culture that recognises and supports the real-life challenges mothers face, building a workplace where everyone feels seen and valued.

Love and Light 

Michelle
Mother, Co-Founder of FLY Mama and Women's Health Physiotherapist.