From Hurt to Healing

The death of a baby is one of the most painful things that can happen to a family. It’s so unfair. Babies aren’t supposed to die. They are the beginning of life, not the end.

You may have had a miscarriage or a stillbirth during pregnancy. Or your baby may have died at birth or after birth. You may be overwhelmed by your feelings of loss. This information is written to help you understand your grief. It explains grief, talks about how to deal with your feelings, tells you how to ask for help, and suggests ways to remember your baby. We hope it helps you find ways to heal and think about the future.

We’ve used some medical terms in this booklet. You will see them in blue. You can find their definitions and see how to pronounce them in the Words to know section.

• What is grief?

• How do women and men grieve differently?

• What if you lost a multiple?

• How can you deal with your grief?

• How do you deal with your family and friends while you're grieving? 

• How can you help your other children understand?

• What can you do to remember your baby?

• Key points to remember

• Words to know

• Acknowledgments

August 2008