5 ways the loss of a baby is different from other losses

You may feel that no one can understand the loss of a baby, and in particular, your little one. This article discusses how the loss of a baby is unique and different to the other losses we may experience throughout our lives. We wrap so many hopes and dreams up in our little ones, that it’s important to remember that it isn’t just your little one you have lost, but your hopes and dreams for their future and the family you pictured.

If you feel that you would like to speak to people who have gone through similar experiences, remember that we have a forum here on the website where you can do just that. Click here to register.

 

Making space for grief, not “getting over it”.

What you can say to someone who has lost their baby…

“Use their baby’s name — their biggest fear is that their baby will be forgotten. Keeping their baby’s memory alive is now more important to them than anything.”

Catherine Travers lets us in to her experience of losing her son Benjamin here, and explains some things you can say to someone who has lost a baby. She describes the importance of acknowledging Benjamin by name following the loss. Although you may initially want to avoid speaking specifically about your loved one’s baby, for fear of saying the wrong thing, for some people it is important that their baby’s name be used.

“Talk about their baby — their baby will be their favourite topic of conversation. No matter what happens they will always be parents and will be just as obsessed with their baby as other parents whose babies are alive.”

The parents had hopes and dreams for their little one, like any other parent. They have lost their baby, but also the hopes and dreams they had for him or her, and their future together. Give them the space to talk about their little one during their grief.

What not to say to a parent who has lost a baby….

“If someone you know is going through this now and you don’t know what to say, just say that. Tell them you don’t know the right words to express how you’re feeling, but you love them and you’re thinking of them.”

Are you wondering what to say to the loved one in your life who has recently lost a baby? Nina Young explains here what not to say to a parent who has lost a little one – nothing at all. Let your loved one know that they’re in your thoughts, and that they’re not alone.

Raising awareness of diagnosable conditions

Rachael and Jonny Casella lost their seven-month-old daughter Mackenzie last year after a diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy type 1. Rachael and Jonny are raising awareness of the importance of testing for diagnosable conditions, and increased access to testing. Read more about their story here. Our hearts go out to Rachael and Jonny, and all of our followers who have gone through a similar experience.

Don’t forget that we also have a support forum here on the website that you can register for, if you feel it could be helpful. This is somewhere where you can connect with others who have been through, or who are going through, similar experiences.