‘Fairy godmother’ Janine recognised after baby loss

‘Fairy godmother’ Janine recognised after baby loss

2 July 2025

A COMBER woman has been recognised for her incredible work and empathy to parents and family members who have suffered a pregnancy loss or death of their baby.

Former South Eastern Trust midwife and health visitor Janine Dougan was recognised at the annual awards presented by SANDS, the Still Birth and Neonatal Death charity.

Now retired, Janine was awarded the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care at the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity event. 

She was was nominated for the accolade by bereaved parents Victoria Johnston and her partner Thomas following the loss of their daughter Alexa.

Four years ago, Alexa was diagnosed during pregnancy with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), a condition where the baby’s diaphragm does not form as it should. 

At the time, Janine was the family’s health visitor and ensured they had the best possible services and contingency of care.

In their nomination, Victoria described Janine as “a fairy godmother” and said she never judged her, even when she felt “insane from grief”.

Victoria said Janie always made sure she was supported by professionals.

“Janine made me feel so supported and cared for at a time when my world was crumbling. She helped me for years to rebuild my life after losing my daughter,” she continued.

Victoria added: “Janine acknowledges me as a mother of four instead of the three most people see.”

Her partner Thomas explained how much Janine made him feel supported and seen as a bereaved parent. 

“Janine realised that men grieve too. She would always make me and my grief feel seen,” he said.

“When she called, it felt like a friendly relative would come and brighten the day in even the worst of times. How could we ever thank someone for such outstanding dedication, support and love?”

Janine supported Victoria and Thomas and used her knowledge to recommend counselling services, connected them to SANDS and a dad’s walking group for Thomas.

To this day, Janine poignantly remembers Alexa’s birthday and sends a message to the family. Janine supported Victoria and Thomas through pregnancy with their first child, the pregnancy and loss of their second child and then through two subsequent pregnancies, which led to the couple having two healthy baby boys.

Janine said she was “honoured” to have received the award “especially as it comes from parents”.

She added: “I was there to support this lovely family during my time as infant mental health co-ordinator in the South Eastern Trust and I am really honoured.”

SANDS chief executive officer, Clea Harmer, said all the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care nominations were submitted by bereaved parents and family members.

She said this gave them an important opportunity to thank the health care professionals who cared for them and their babies.

“I hope this award will shine a light on the difference that so many health care workers are making for bereaved parents everyday,” Clea continued.

“Janine truly stood out through her dedication to helping all those parents she cares for to begin to rebuild their lives and ensuring their baby’s memory is at the heart of everything she does.”

Clea added: “Good care can’t take away the pain of the death of a baby, but can help parents through this devastating time.”