Historical stillbirths and pregnancy loss

Finding information about historical burials and cremations following stillbirth or pregnancy loss

Supporting families seeking answers

We recognise that some parents and families have lived for many years with unanswered questions about what happened to their baby following a stillbirth or pregnancy loss.

Until the mid-1980s, bereavement care and the involvement of parents in arrangements following the death of a baby were very different from today. In some circumstances, babies were buried or cremated without their parents being involved in, or fully informed about, the arrangements. This has left some families unsure about where their baby was laid to rest or what happened following their death.

On 13 October 2026, the Government issued an apology for the distress caused by these historical practices and the additional pain experienced by families who have been unable to find clear information about their baby.

We understand how important it can be for parents and other family members to find answers, however long ago their loss happened. We have brought together information that may help families identify where maternity services were provided and where historical records might be held.

Information to help you find answers

We do not currently provide maternity services and did not historically manage maternity services. However, some of our hospital sites have previously been used for maternity care.

Over the years, NHS organisations and services have undergone significant changes. Hospitals have closed, services have transferred and organisations have merged or changed their responsibilities. This can make it difficult to establish which organisation may hold historical information.

Our Library and Knowledge Services team has researched maternity hospitals and units that served Berkshire communities between 1920 and 1990. We have also brought together information about local cemeteries and crematoria that may hold historical burial or cremation records.

We hope these resources will provide a useful starting point for families looking for information about their babies.

Download our information sheet below.

The information sheet contains information about current and former maternity hospitals, closed units and emergency maternity homes in Berkshire and information about local cemeteries and crematoria, including when they opened and where historical records may be held.

The information is intended to help you identify possible locations and organisations that may be able to assist with your enquiry. It does not confirm that historical records still exist or that they are held by Berkshire Healthcare.

What if I need further help?

We hope the information sheet will help you identify the most appropriate organisation to contact.

If, after reading the information, you are unsure where to direct your enquiry or need help understanding the information provided, you can contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):

Email: PALS@berkshire.nhs.uk

Please be aware that Berkshire Healthcare does not hold a central collection of historical maternity, burial or cremation records. Our PALS team can provide the same published information and signposting available on this page but may not be able to offer additional historical information or trace individual burial or cremation records.

Where records are held by another organisation, you may need to contact that organisation directly.

We know that historical records may be incomplete or no longer available. We cannot guarantee that information will be found but hope that the resources provided will help you identify possible next steps.

Other places to look for information

If you are trying to establish where your baby was buried or cremated, the cemetery or crematorium where arrangements were made may hold historical records.

The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) provides information about cemeteries and crematoria across the UK.

You may also find it helpful to contact the local authority responsible for the area where the hospital or maternity unit was located.

• Visit the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management

Emotional support and guidance

We understand that looking for information about your baby may bring back painful memories, feelings or questions. You may find the process difficult, and you do not have to go through it alone.

Sands – supporting anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.

Sands offers information and emotional support to parents, families and anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, no matter how long ago it happened.

Sands has also produced a helpful guide for people who are trying to trace their baby's grave, burial or cremation record. Although Sands cannot search for records on your behalf, its guidance explains where you might be able to find information and how to approach the relevant organisations.

• Read Sands' guide to tracing a baby's grave or cremation record

Contact Sands

Telephone: 0808 164 3332 (Sands Helpline)
Email: helpline@sands.org.uk
Local support: Find a local Sands support group.
Online support: Access information and other resources through the Sands website.

We hope these resources provide a helpful starting point for families seeking information and support.

• Visit Sands website