A MUM from Chudleigh Knighton has written a self-help book to support parents after baby loss, inspired by the healing power of the ocean.

Hannah J Thomas’ book, which features wave photography by 14 photographers from across the region, Waves

Since its publication, Waves has been praised by healthcare professionals, parents and bereavement organisations across, including Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Torbay Hospital and University Hospitals Plymouth, local charities such as Pregnancy Crisis Care and national baby loss organisations.

Business lecturer, consultant and writer Hannah explained: ‘Waves looks like a photo book, featuring incredible images of the sea, surfing and waves in all their splendour.

‘The images mirror the pattern of the books' content, enabling readers to reflect on and process their experience using both words and imagery.

‘Waves focuses on the 'aftermath' of loss - the physical and mental impact and the practises I learnt that helped me heal.

‘The book draws many parallels to my love of surfing and the ocean.

‘It is my hope that the reader is taken on a journey of feeling the power, restoration and peace that nature can provide us.’

She said she wanted to create the kind of resource she wished had existed, helping families navigating those first weeks and months after loss.

Following baby loss, many parents find shock and grief make it difficult to concentrate, absorb information or read lengthy chapters.

Rather than overwhelming readers, Waves breaks support into short, gentle reflections that can be read in just a few minutes at a time.

Throughout the book, Hannah draws many parallels with surfing and the ocean, and the role that being out in nature can play in recovery.

Rowena Pailing, head of bereavement support services with baby loss charity Sands, said: ‘Waves is a beautifully photographed book, bursting with hope and positivity.

‘It comes from Hannah’s personal experience of grief, but recognises that all grief is unique. It is fundamentally a practical guide to wellbeing which will connect with many bereaved parents.’

Hannah added: ‘One of the things people don't often talk about is how grief affects your ability to think and concentrate.

‘Even reading a few pages can feel impossible.

'I wanted to create something that felt gentle, accessible and reassuring - something that people could return to whenever they were ready, without feeling overwhelmed.

‘The ocean has played a huge role in my journey to recovery and became a significant metaphor for me in understanding my grief due to its powerful and dynamic nature.’

It is estimated that one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, while thousands more families each year experience stillbirth, neonatal loss or the death of a baby.

Despite how common baby loss is, many parents describe feeling isolated and unsure where to turn once they leave hospital.

Hannah’s book aims to bridge that gap by offering compassionate, practical support in a format that acknowledges the realities of grief.