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.
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
FREE Event: Discover super powered plants at Dobbies Little Seedlings Club
Dobbies' free-to-attend children's gardening workshop is here for the month of May, giving children the chance to discover the 'Power of Plants'.
READ MORE
Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!
READ MORE
Spring clean shoes to protect heritage, urges National Trust for Scotland
With warmer days on the way, visitors to gardens at National Trust for Scotland places are being asked to follow biosecurity measures throughout the spring and summer seasons.
READ MORE
Fan favourites return to Vue venues in Scotland this spring
Vue is bringing a roster of much-loved film favourites back to the big screen this spring as part of a special anniversary season celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic titles.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on shoppers across Scotland to donate pet food in stores this National Pet Month
Aldi is encouraging shoppers in Scotland to donate pet food at its in-store community donation points this April to mark National Pet Month.
READ MORE
Dig up some fun this half term at the National Museum of Rural Life
Spring has arrived at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride this half term!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Springfest is back
Get ready for a brilliant weekend at the free Loch Lomond Springfest on 4th and 5th April, featuring world-class chefs, wild foraging, tasty street food and non-stop family fun for all ages!
READ MORE
Top family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this Easter
Families looking to make the most of the Easter holidays in Scotland will find plenty to enjoy over the break!
READ MORE
Spring starts with Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening
Celebrate the colours of spring at Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening, a free-to-attend evening event dedicated to outdoor living and seasonal inspiration, taking place on Thursday 2nd April!
READ MORE
Last chance to enter for lunch with George Clooney
Entries are closing soon for the chance to have lunch with Hollywood icon George Clooney as part of itison's fundraising campaign for Social Bite.
READ MORE
Doors set to reopen across the country to some of the most iconic historic sites in Scotland
More than 40 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Wednesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
One of the best loved food brands in the country is bringing back its popular Golden Easter Hunt
Launching just in time for the school holidays, this year it's set to be bigger, bolder and even more exciting - and it's free for anyone to enter!
READ MORE
Running legend inspires fitness fans at Barrhead Foundry
Running legend Colin Thomas inspired fitness members at an exclusive event hosted at Barrhead Foundry this week.
READ MORE
Spectacular stage productions to enjoy at Vue this spring
To celebrate World Theatre Day (27 March), Vue is highlighting upcoming theatre and opera productions showing on the big screen.
READ MORE
East Renfrewshire Libraries to launch new musical instrument lending library
East Renfrewshire libraries plan to add musical instruments to their lending collections so that anyone can borrow them for free, just like a book.
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring
Scotland's biggest home event is back at Glasgow SEC from 22nd - 25th May 2026 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our readers!
READ MORE
Summer events taking place at historic sites across Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland has announced its summer events programme, with events taking place at iconic heritage sites across the country!
READ MORE
Hop into Easter at Dobbies with Gabbys Dollhouse Little Seedlings Club
Dobbies is teaming up with Gabby's Dollhouse to bring an extra special spring themed experience to families at its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club on 4th April, packed with fun and creativity.
READ MORE
Scottish Excellence Awards 2026 Shortlist showcases strength of hospitality sector
Finalists have been announced for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Celebrate Mothers Day at Zizzi
Zizzi is offering a three-course set menu for £29.95 this Mother's Day, with a special treat for every matriarch.
READ MORE
From snow cabins to loch side hot tubs... 5 unique Scottish Mothers Day escapes
Beyond the traditional Sunday lunch, Mother's Day offers the perfect excuse to slow down and spend quality time together.
READ MORE
Scottish Dance Theatre presents Scottish Roots
Scotland's flagship dance company Scottish Dance Theatre present the world premiere of Scottish Roots, a new triple bill celebrating the dialogue between tradition and innovation in Scottish culture.
READ MORE
New InspireHER webinar series launches to empower women to take their first step into business
Women are being invited to explore their entrepreneurial potential through a brand-new programme of free, confidence-building webinars and coaching sessions delivered by Business Gateway.
READ MORE
Baz Luhrmann takes centre stage on the big screen at Vue this March
From Romeo + Juliet to Elvis, five films from legendary auteur Baz Luhrmann are arriving at Vue this month!
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Spring Garden Savings Weekend
Dobbies is welcoming the new season with its Spring Garden Savings Weekend, running from 5th - 9th March, inviting local gardeners to kick-start spring with fresh inspiration and great savings!
READ MORE
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair returns better than ever for 2026
Scotland's much-loved outdoor celebration is officially back, The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair will return to the stunning grounds of Scone Palace this July!
READ MORE
The beloved stories of Roald Dhal return to the big screen at Vue
A number of iconic film adaptations based on the work of children's author Roald Dahl are returning to the big screen at Vue Cinemas across Scotland.
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops for kids return to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres' monthly children's gardening workshop returns this March, and the topic is peas and other pod plants.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity launches Yellow Yogis
Beatson Cancer Charity has announced the launch of Yellow Yogis, a brand-new fundraising initiative set to bring thousands of people together for a large-scale yoga event at Glasgow's SEC!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links