Warning: This article contains imagery that some readers may find distressing.
For thousands of women stillbirth is not just a storyline, but in fact a very real, life experience. In the UK alone 5,712 babies were born stillborn, or died within the first 28 days of life in 2013 ; Sands.
And although stillbirths are not uncommon, many people tend not to talk about it. It's a taboo nobody seems to want to deal with.
But thanks to Rakhee Thakrar, who plays Shabnam, this is about to change. Having worked closely with a stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands, the actress encouraged others to share the name of their stillborn babies in a touching Twitter movement. Rakhee started the hashtag #SayTheirName to encourage people to talk about their stillbirth stories and share the names of their babies.
People have responded and are sharing their personal images and stories. It's the most moving hashtag we have come across, it's great that the movement gives families a chance to remember their children and share such personal experiences.
For help dealing with the death of a child, visit Sands.
Share your story #SayTheirName. Tweet us @sofeminineUK
This article was written by Tolani Shoneye. Tweet her @tolly_t
