Stillbirth: Mum makes lost son’s teddy star of baby book

Similarly, she found that writing the book, and later a play about baby loss, encouraged others to talk to her about her daughter.

She said creativity helps people confront difficult subjects they would otherwise avoid.

“It’s too painful to go straight at it, you almost have to go sideways, not hit it head on,” she added.

“You make it more tangible and it gives a bit of headspace, a bit of distance.

“It makes it more acceptable.”

For Philippa, who also experienced four miscarriages, writing helps “fill the parental hole” that remains after such devastating losses.

“It’s not just about the loss of the baby, it’s the loss of the future you would have had,” she added.

“I still struggle with that.”