It is a subject that many would prefer to avoid, and yet which tragically affects parents and families every-day worldwide.
The loss of a baby is a devastating experience and one that can feel incredibly isolating for parents. This is only heightened by a general discomfort around the subject and a lack of public awareness of the options that are available to grieving families.
Now, in light of Baby Loss Awareness Week, we wanted to highlight the importance of having open conversations to strengthen the level of support available to parents.
We’ve pulled together some of our experience in guiding friends and families to hold conversations with grieving parents:
1, Being available is the best gift you can give to families experiencing loss. Simply listening and being present is a source of comfort and support.
2. Educate yourself on the impact of baby loss and familiarise yourself with common terminology to be in a better position to support confident and open communication with grieving parents.
3. There are many services available to parents experiencing baby loss. Being able to sign-post grieving parents to professional support can help them access much-needed advice and counsel.
4. Create a comfortable, supportive environment for grieving parents to be able to make decisions on the next steps.
How can we help?
Funerals offer bereaved families the chance to say goodbye to a loved one and play a key part in the grieving process. Holding a funeral for a baby is no different. What is different is how we hande it. Extra care, additional space, time and support from a highly experienced team.
A personal, supportive process
We take the time to visit parents experiencing this loss to build trust and confidence in us and choosing the next steps. By spending time with families, we are able to better identify what they want for the funeral, and how they would like to remember their baby.
Given the often unexpected nature of the death, deciding how to say goodbye to their child can be a lengthy process for parents which requires patience and care. A cuddle cot is available to give parents more time to spend with their baby after loss and to begin processing their grief. We are available at every stage and provide a tailored service to best support each family.
No right or wrong
Faced with the possibility of making things worse, for people we love who are already hurting, means we often gloss over or avoid having difficult conversations. As we have learned, the best thing we can do is just be there. And using this chance to post a blog on one of the most taboo subjects during Baby Loss Awareness Week enables us to do just that.
If you, your colleagues or your loved ones want to find out more, we’re here to help wherever we can.
