Our guest blogger Andrea from Wholehearted Family Health explores a very emotional topic this week of pregnancy and infant loss. It is hard to know what to say or do to support a friend or family member who has experienced the loss of a precious baby.
“An estimated one in four pregnancies (103,000) end in miscarriage in Australia each year. While approximately 3,000 babies are either stillborn or die in the first 28 days after birth (SANDS, 2015).”
Andrea has compiled some suggestions, which have come predominantly from mothers who have been through this experience themselves, and also some from her own own experience as a midwife working with families who have lost a baby.
Trigger warning: This article contains information relating to pregnancy and infant loss and may trigger traumatic memories for some people. If you are experiencing emotional difficulties relating to pregnancy or infant loss you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support (SANDS) Australia on 1300 072 637.
Keep your response simple and validate feelings
We may feel that we have to ‘fix’ the situation or the person’s pain and this can lead to unhelpful (and even hurtful) comments. Such as ‘you can always have another,’ ‘it wasn’t meant to be,’ ‘everything happens for a reason,’ or ‘he/she is in a better place.’ No one can ever replace that child and these statements are dismissive of the appropriate grieving process that a parent (or family) is experiencing.
Ignoring the situation and not acknowledging their loss can be equally hurtful
If you’re not sure what to say, a hug or simple ‘thinking of you’ is enough. Practical help, such as dropping off a cooked meal or offering to care for other children. These can speak louder than words.
Help to create a lasting tribute to the child
In the initial overwhelming stage of grief, parents may not think about creating memories and mementos that will be treasured in the future. Depending on your relationship with the family, you may like to gently suggest or even offer to organise/pay for some of the following:
Photos
Heartfelt is a volunteer organisation of professional photographers in Australia and New Zealand who gift photographic memories to families experiencing stillbirth (after 22 weeks) or critically premature birth. Photos of baby being cuddled, bathed, dressed, or nappy changed, can become mementos of cherished memories.
Moulds
There are several companies who create 3D hand and feet mouldings or take wax moulds of fingerprints to turn into jewellery. Some companies in the N.T. include Forever and Ever Keepsakes and Keepsake Jewellery but a google search will help you find others in your area.
Memory Boxes
Miracle Babies Foundation creates memory boxes for the Royal Darwin Hospital, if the hospital doesn’t provide one, please ask or contact Miracle Babies Foundation directly.
Other tributes/gifts
Check in
Sometimes the initial support parents receive is amazing but it drops off as the months pass. Make time to check in over the following months and give space for feelings to be shared. Acknowledge anniversaries and talk about the baby (say his/her name), as many parents fear that their child will be forgotten.
Be mindful and respectful of cultural and individual practices and preferences
The previous two suggestions have come from mothers who have lived through pregnancy and/or infant loss. It is important to be mindful that this may not be appropriate for all cultures and people. Asking first is a good idea.
About our guest blogger
Andrea is a midwife, child health nurse and mum to a busy toddler. She created Wholehearted Family Health as a wellness hub for mums. Apart of the hub they will find holistic health information, heart-centred services and naturally good products in one place.
You can find Wholehearted Family Health here:
