The loss of a newborn baby may have a lasting impact on you.

Every parent or family member will experience this loss in a unique way. For some, it may be an overwhelming time with much sadness. For others, it may feel easier to cope. There is no right or wrong way to feel or experience this time of loss.

The information on these pages will help you through the days and weeks ahead. You are not alone. Support is available to you and your family.

The information on these pages may not immediately help everyone. It is never too late to explore your grief, get help, or find ways to remember your baby.

At the time of your loss

You will have a unique response to your loss. You may feel flooded with emotion, feel numb or in shock, or feel something in between. It will take time to absorb the reality of what has happened.

Your healthcare team is here to care for you and your baby with respect, to help you access resources and support, and to answer any questions you may have. Both your physical health and emotional health are important. There are no right or wrong questions or decisions at this time.

You may want to find a personal way to honour your baby. It may involve a ceremony, memorial, burial, or a private moment of remembering. Decisions may be difficult to make right now. It is important to take your time to make them.

You will be offered opportunities to create memories of your baby if you wish. For example, you may want to take photos of your baby, bring in a special item from home, or receive mementos such as a teddy bear or recognition of life certificate. Consider what memories of your baby would be important to you and your family.

When you are told your baby is going to die or has died, it is important to have support people with you, like your spouse, partner, parent, or close friend. You may also want to ask for help from a social worker or spiritual care worker. Let your healthcare provider know if you would like support from a social worker, spiritual care staff, indigenous hospital support services, or from a leader within your cultural or spiritual community. A spiritual care staff member can help facilitate any practices, rituals, or connections with community leaders you may need at this time. You or your family members may also wish to visit a hospital chapel or a sacred space for spiritual support.

Things to consider after the loss of your baby

Decisions may be difficult to make right now. During this time of loss, some families have found it helpful to understand the many things to consider after the loss of a newborn baby. The items below are some things you and your family may want to think about to help you during this time of loss.

• Choose a name for your baby.
• Gather important photos and mementos for memories of your baby.
• Let the healthcare team know your wishes about autopsy for your baby.
• If your baby is going for an autopsy, will a funeral home be picking up your baby, or will you?
• Where will you or the funeral home pick up your baby?
• Make funeral or memorial service arrangements.
• Choose a funeral service provider for funeral arrangements.
• Obtain a burial permit from the hospital if you wish to take your baby with you.
• Consider invitations to family or friends for a funeral or memorial service, or send a card to friends and family members acknowledging your baby’s life.
• Call Health Link at 811 for information on managing pain, breastmilk, or other health concerns.
• Book an appointment with your doctor to review any autopsy results and lab reports, and to have a follow-up health appointment. Arrange for rides to health appointments.
• Cancel any classes you may have, like prenatal classes or before-and-after delivery classes.
• Notify your workplace about time away from work and complete any paperwork.
• Check your life insurance to see if there is coverage provided for the loss of your baby.
• Look into your benefits plan for coverage or Employment Insurance benefits.
• Ask for help from family, as needed, to let others know of your loss.
• Keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings.
• Call to schedule a counselling appointment.
• Attend a parent support group.
• Print your photos and put them in a photo memory book.​​​​