Former First Minister Humza Yousaf opens up on 'lingering grief' of baby loss

Humza Yousaf has opened up about his experience of losing a child to "multiple miscarriages" as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf has bravely shared how he and his wife dealt with the "lingering grief" of "multiple miscarriages".

The ex-SNP leader recently welcomed his baby Liyana into the world with his wife Nadia El-Nakla and as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) he shared their experience of dealing with "multiple miscarriages".

BLAW is running currently, ending on Tuesday, and aims to show parents that they are not alone. As part of this, Yousaf shared that "it's okay not be okay" to his X followers.

He said: "Pregnancy loss and baby loss is tough. I know, my wife Nadia and I have suffered multiple miscarriages over the years, and although we've been blessed to have children together, that grief of that loss still lingers.

"I want you to know that if you've suffered pregnancy loss or baby loss that it's okay not to be okay. It's okay to still feel upset, even if it's been years since that loss and regardless of at what stage that loss occurred.

"It's okay to be upset. It's okay to even be angry. We've got to make sure that people don't suffer in silence. We've got to make sure there's no stigma or taboo around pregnancy loss and baby loss."

During his tenure as FM, Yousaf established the baby loss memorial book, which allows grieving parents to have their loved one formally recorded in the National Records of Scotland.

Yousaf added: "I was really pleased, in my time as First Minister, to launch the memorial book for pregnancy and baby loss, so that anyone can have their loved one, their little one recorded officially in the National Records of Scotland regardless of when that loss occurred.

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"Let me take this opportunity during Baby Loss Awareness Week to thank all of the charities, all of the support groups and all of the healthcare professionals for providing support to women and to families who have suffered that loss.

"Let's work together to make sure baby loss is no longer a taboo and that nobody has to suffer in silence."

Find out more about Baby Loss Awareness Week and how to access support from a number of charities here.

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