Perinatal health
What we know and where the world stands
Every year, nearly 2 million babies are stillborn, and more than 295,000 women die from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth, most of them in preventable circumstances. In high-income countries, stillbirth rates remain stubbornly high — with 1 in every 200 pregnancies ending in stillbirth, often without a known cause. Despite the profound emotional and societal impact, perinatal health remains critically under-researched and underfunded. The silence surrounding pregnancy loss and maternal trauma has delayed progress for too long. We urgently need scientific research to understand the hidden causes, improve prevention, and offer real hope to families everywhere.
Mental health matters
Pregnancy, loss, miscarriage, fertility treatments — every part of this path carries emotional weight. There is no single way to cope, but there are many things that can help: talking, writing, creating, connecting. At From Freya, we believe in making space for that healing. That’s why we’ve created the White Board — a place where anyone can share, reflect, and support one another. Helping each other is powerful. Let’s use our voices, break the silence, and end the stigma. You are not alone, and your story matters.
Where From Freya stands
From Freya stands at the intersection of personal grief and public purpose. We are here to break the silence around perinatal loss, to honour the lives that never had a chance, and to fuel the research that could save others. Through community, awareness, and the sale of donated goods, we raise funds to support scientific studies into pregnancy complications, infant death, and maternal mental health. We believe that love can become knowledge, and that knowledge can lead to prevention. This is our way forward — one small act, one discovery, one life at a time.
Where do you stand?
You don’t need to be a scientist to change the future. Whether you donate a piece of clothing, share your story, support our shop, or simply speak openly about loss — you are part of the change. At From Freya, every gesture counts. Together, we can turn pain into purpose, silence into knowledge, and grief into action. Where you stand matters. Stand with us
A word from the CEO
I am a researcher, and I am a mother who has lost her precious daughter for reasons no one could explain. As a scientist, I blamed myself for the research I hadn’t yet done — for the answers I hadn’t found in time to help her. That pain has become my purpose. From Freya was born from love and loss, and from the belief that research can bring clarity, prevention, and healing. But I cannot do this alone. I need help. Together, through science and solidarity, we can discover why tragedies like this happen — and how to stop them.
Reading corner
Curious to learn more about pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and pre-eclampsia—and how research can save lives? We’ve curated accessible, peer-reviewed articles from leading journals and global health bodies. These readings explain what we know, what we’re learning, and where better care and policy can make a difference. If you’ve experienced loss, please read gently and take breaks. Science is moving forward, and every study helps families like ours.
Miscarriage
The Lancet “Miscarriage Matters” Series (overview page). A three-paper series calling for better care, better data, and honest communication about risk and recovery. The Lancet
Miscarriage matters: the epidemiological, physical, psychological and economic costs of early pregnancy loss (PDF). Clear summary of how common miscarriage is (~23 million per year) and its wide-ranging impacts. Aalborg Universitets forskningsportalThe Lancet
Stillbirth
Global, regional, and national stillbirths at 20 weeks (Lancet, 2024). Latest estimates and trends; why progress has stalled in many regions. The Lancet
Ending preventable stillbirths (Lancet Series). A roadmap to reduce stillbirths through better antenatal care, respectful bereavement support, and accountability. The Lancet
Ending preventable stillbirths & improving bereavement care (2023, open-access). Practical scorecard and policy steps for high- and upper-middle-income countries. PMC
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia (Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2023). Authoritative, readable overview—from biology and screening to care pathways and long-term health for mum and baby. Nature
Perinatal & Maternal Health
WHO Maternal Mortality Fact Sheet (2025). Up-to-date global figures (a maternal death almost every two minutes in 2023) and what works to prevent them. World Health Organization
Determinants of maternal health & transitions in mortality (Lancet Global Health, 2024). What drives risk differences between countries—and where to focus investment. The Lancet
Global neonatal mortality causes (2024 meta-analysis, open-access). What newborns die from, and how prevention priorities differ by setting. PMC
Why We Need You
Who can volunteer with From Freya?
Anyone with a passion for supporting maternal and neonatal health is welcome.
Whether you're a student, professional, researcher, artist, or simply someone who wants to help, there's space for you in our community. We value empathy, creativity, and commitment over credentials.
What kind of tasks can I help with?
It depends on your skills and interests!
Volunteers contribute in many ways — from social media support, research assistance, and content writing to design, outreach, and event planning. We’ll match your strengths with areas where we need help.
Is there a time commitment?
We’re flexible.
You can choose how much time you’re able to offer — whether it’s a few hours a week or support on a one-time project. We’re grateful for any time you can share.
Do I need previous experience to volunteer?
Not at all.
We welcome beginners just as much as experienced professionals. What matters most is your willingness to contribute and learn. We’ll provide any guidance or tools you need to get started.
