“After pregnancy or baby loss, it is common for parents to feel as though they have in some way failed their child, as well as their family, friends and even each other. Sharing their painful reality is a way of reaching out, asking for support and acceptance from those around them - it takes courage to tell a world that is anticipating the joy of new life, that the tragedy of death is what they have instead.
So if this news is ignored, or criticised, parents can be left with feeling ashamed or guilty, damaging their mental health and causing them to withdraw and isolate from their world. Ultimately, this prevents many parents from grieving in a way that is healthy, and will likely delay their recovery process significantly.“If we want to support parents facing the heartbreak of pregnancy and baby loss we need to be able to set aside any discomfort we may be feeling and instead show empathy, support and understanding.”