FAMILIES experiencing the heartbreak of losing their baby are being given specialist support thanks to a new clinic.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital has set up The Rainbow Clinic to ensure mothers have someone to turn to in the event of stillbirth or miscarriage.

Many people are already experiencing the benefits of having a dedicated team for this unfortunate outcome.

Jess Clasby-Monk, mother to 15-month-old Eli, said: “I lost my baby, Leo, and we were absolutely devastated, but what was even more challenging was when I fell pregnant with Eli.

"Knowing what I had already been through and fearful of what might happen again was incredibly difficult.

"At the time there was not a service like The Rainbow Clinic. Having the specialist advice and care was so important and it made the pregnancy easier.

“To now have this service available in Berkshire is going to make an enormous difference to the parents who need this support.”

The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society raised awareness for this very issues earlier this month during a week-long campaign.

Every day in the UK around 15 babies die before, during or soon after birth, which means every 90 minutes a family is faced with the devastation of the death of their baby.

Juliette Ward, Rainbow specialist midwife, added: “Parents have been at the heart of developing this important new clinic.

"We have worked with them every step of the way to ensure their voices were heard and their stories and experiences were incorporated into the development of the service.

“We are delighted that the clinic is providing much needed care and support and we are continuing to work with our parents and local groups on the development of a number of other initiatives that will help to make pregnancies after the loss of a baby that little bit easier.”

Parents, staff and representatives from local support groups celebrated the launch at a special lunch.