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Posted on: 28 January 2016

During pregnancy it is very common for parents to be very excited for the new arrival, and to have many hopes, wishes, and dreams for their growing baby. So when a child is stillborn, it can be emotionally devastating. Dealing with the death of a loved one is always difficult, but it can be even harder when your child did not get a chance to experience life. Coping with a stillbirth is a long journey, but the following tips may be helpful:

Consider Making Memories with Your Baby

Learning that your baby will not be born alive is heart-wrenching, but many parents choose to spend as much time as possible with their baby so they can hold him or her and  make memories and begin to grieve. You may want to consider having photographs taken of your baby so you have a keepsake and are able to look at the photo when you want to. 

Arrange a Funeral

No parent wants to imagine having to arrange a funeral for their child, but after a stillbirth you may feel some sense of comfort by holding a funeral in honor of your child. Many hospitals have staff members who can help you with this trying task during this difficult time. Some funeral homes will take care of final arrangements for a stillborn child at no charge or for very little cost-- staff members at the hospital can help you find these resources and make all of the needed plans for a funeral and memorial service. Having friends and family members at the funeral can also be a great source of support for you in the days after delivering a stillborn baby.

Try to Take Care of Yourself

Giving birth is often very physically difficult on a woman's body, and coping with a stillbirth is incredibly emotionally trying. No matter how horrible you feel, do your best to take care of yourself so you can heal physically and slowly begin to heal emotionally. Take time to rest, eat, and allow yourself to express any pain or sorrow that you are experiencing. 

Think About Counseling

Losing a child leaves a huge hole in the heart, and that pain is not something that is just going to go away by itself. After a stillbirth, you may benefit from grief counseling, or sessions with a psychologist who is experienced in counseling people who have lost children. A peer support group may also be helpful-- some people find it comforting to talk with other people who have experienced the same tragedy and are trying to recover after a stillbirth. 

Contact a funeral home, such as O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral & Cremation Services, for more information about planning your child's services.