Bereaved mum hails 'brave' baby loss filmmakers

Nikki Kirk Steph Hobbs and her baby TimothyNikki Kirk
Steph Hobbs' baby Timothy was not capable of living and only survived for three hours after birth

"It's a really weird sensation trying to plan a funeral while you are still pregnant," says Steph Hobbs - the subject of a new documentary on baby loss.

She was carrying her little boy Timothy eight years ago when a 21-week scan revealed he had not developed a bladder or kidneys and was not capable of living.

She decided to continue with the pregnancy for the sake of her mental health and to "create additional memories" with her baby, who only survived for three hours after birth.

Her niece, Loren Hobbs, a student at Arts University Bournemouth, has been inspired to turn her aunt's story into a short film.

Loren Hobbs Loren Hobbs sat on a wooden benchLoren Hobbs
The film will will focus on the "taboo" of baby loss, Loren Hobbs said

The Life Across the Way will be a 15-minute crowdfunded production which the team of students hope to complete by March.

The film will will focus on the "taboo" of baby loss, Loren Hobbs said.

She said they will look at the "space that is created for the life that people cannot see, the familial spaces where he [Timothy] would have been".

"I think that it's incredibly brave that Loren and the crew are actually taking this on," Steph Hobbs said.

Steph Hobbs Steph Hobbs, her nieces Eva, and Loren HobbsSteph Hobbs
Steph Hobbs seen in an old photo with her nieces Eva and Loren Hobbs (right)

She will be taking part in the documentary, sharing her story and said she now tries to support other bereaved parents to cope.

"It's amazing how many parents feel like they can't speak about their little ones or they feel like they can't show their little ones," Steph Hobbs said.

She continued: "People can have little mementoes around their home or bring their little ones into their life somehow so then they never feel like there ever going to be forgotten."

If you are affected by the issues in this story the BBC Action Line features a list of organisations ready to provide support and advice.

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X, or Instagram.