Couple's search for an answer to baby deaths

Oct 1 2007

They have also found that high numbers of Midland mums who smoke, refuse to breast-feed their babies and delay contacting maternity services have contributed to the problem.

"We don't want to alarm all expectant mothers in the region," said Prof Gardosi.

"The vast majority of babies are born here healthily and without any problems - and we cannot fault the frontline maternity service providers who do an excellent job.

"But we do want to better understand why we have a high rate of stillbirths and infant deaths. In the long term we hope our research will help reduce this. Many of these deaths are potentially avoidable."

A conference spokeswoman said: "This is a very special meeting to focus on perinatal loss - the human impact, the causes, and the possibilities for prevention.

"It is a rare opportunity to bring together researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, bereaved families, and support organisations from many different countries.

"Many clinicians and scientists devote much of their working lives to furthering the understanding of adverse pregnancy outcome.

"And many bereaved parents, knowing the real consequences of baby loss, are committed to improving the care that others who have suffered a loss receive.

"Both groups have much in common and together can represent a very powerful force for change."