Support for grieving when losing a baby

If feelings of grief are overwhelming you due to the loss of your pregnancy or if you identify major changes in your lifestyle after the loss, there is help for coping. Options include:

• self help where you focus on what you can do to help yourself and professional therapists or counsellors can advise on self-help
• talking therapies with friends, family and a professional be a support through grief
• medications are also available to help bring sleep patterns back to normal, and also to calm anxious thoughts

By addressing the grief, addictive coping mechanisms that may be harmful in both short and long term can be avoided.

Supporting Organisations

The NHS have initiated national psychological services within the UK to help people suffering with mental and emotional health. Approaching your doctor for help is a start because these services are also available to mothers who have lost their baby. Other organisations like the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (Sands); Helping After Neonatal Death (Hand); and Miscarriage Association offer support. Local organisations may also exist to for help with grief in specific regions or locations.