Neonatal death information and support

When a baby dies within the first 28 days of life this is called a ‘neonatal death’. Find out why some babies die, understand the grieving process and the practical things you might need to think about after the loss of a baby.

What is a neonatal death?

If a baby dies within the first 28 days after they’re born, it is known as a neonatal death.

If a baby dies after 24 weeks of pregnancy, but before they’re born, it is known as a stillbirth. We have support and advice about stillbirth here.

Why do babies die?

After the loss of a baby, it is natural to want answers about why it happened.

Sometimes the answer is clear, and other times a doctor or coroner will need to run tests or do a post-mortem to find out what happened and why. Sometimes they may not be able to find out why.

Common causes of neonatal death

Most neonatal deaths are linked to premature birth, because when babies are born too soon or too small they are more at risk of infection and other serious health problems. However, there are reasons why a baby may not survive, even if they were born at full-term, including:

  • genetic disorders
  • complications during or after birth
  • infections.

Support after your baby dies

The loss of a baby is devastating. We’re here to offer emotional and practical support to parents and families who are going through this experience.

Emotional support for parents after neonatal loss

If you want to talk to a professional about how you’re feeling, our team of expert midwives are available via the Tommy’s advice line on 0800 0147 800, 9am-5pm. If you’re not ready to talk, we have some information that might help:

Emotional support for others after a baby dies

Family, friends and colleagues of those who lost a baby can find it difficult to know what to say or how to help, while also coping with their own grief. Here’s some advice that could help:

Practical support for parents who have lost a baby

As well as managing your emotions in the early days and weeks after loss, you will have decisions and arrangements to make. It is an overwhelming time, but hopefully this practical advice will help guide you through it:

Pregnancy ads

At Tommy's we often hear from women and men who are bombarded with ads promoting maternity and baby products after loss, which can be really distressing. We've put together some information about how to stop pregnancy ads.

Find out how to stop pregnancy ads

Peer support

A very supportive community has built up over the last few years around pregnancy loss. There are several online communities supporting those who have gone through baby loss or preterm birth. All write movingly about their experiences of loss, life after loss and, in some cases, pregnancy and pregnancy/parenting after loss.

"When my son was stillborn, I couldn’t find anything to read about the mum’s personal experiences and what to expect... I needed something real, something I could relate to." Hannah Pontillo

Pregnancy and parenting after neonatal loss

Pregnancy following the loss of a baby is likely to be an anxious time for both parents. You should have additional support from your healthcare team. Find out what to expect and how to take extra care of yourself:

About Tommy’s

There is still a lack of research into the causes of pregnancy complications and loss, and that is why our charity funds research into the causes of neonatal death, stillbirth, miscarriage and premature birth.

  • UNICEF (2017). ‘Child Mortality Estimates – Global and regional child deaths by cause’. Download from https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-survival/neonatal-mortality/. – referencing the UK data
  • NHS Choices [accessed 04/10/2018] Neonatal mortality and stillbirths, https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/national-indicator-library/neonatal-mortality-and-stillbirths#definition

Read more about neonatal death

  • Spending time with your baby after a neonatal death

    When a baby dies shortly after birth parents will often have barely seen their child without being surrounded by medical equipment.
    Spending time with your baby after a neonatal death

  • Having a post-mortem after a neonatal death

    Information and support about deciding whether to have a post-mortem after a neonatal death. You have different options to decide what is best for you.
    Having a post-mortem after a neonatal death

  • Support for grandparents after a neonatal death

    Seeing your son or daughter coping with their baby’s death is very difficult and painful. We have advice about how to look after yourself and your loved ones.
    Support for grandparents after a neonatal death

  • Planning a funeral for your baby

    Decision-making and practical things to think about when you’re planning a funeral for your baby. You have different options to decide what's best for you.
    Planning a funeral for your baby

  • Support for siblings after the death of a baby

    Supporting children through their grief and sadness is important. Here is some information and advice on talking to children after a neonatal death.
    Support for siblings after the death of a baby

  • Pregnancy after neonatal loss

    Losing a baby can make future pregnancies especially anxious and uncertain. We have advice to help you cope during pregnancy after loss.
    Pregnancy after neonatal loss

  • Coping with grief after neonatal loss

    Information and support for parents whose baby died after birth, including how to cope day-to-day and how you might be feeling in yourself and towards others.
    Coping with grief after neonatal loss

  • Supporting each other as a couple after a neonatal loss

    We all grieve differently. Here are some ways to help, support and understand your partner after your baby dies neonatally.
    Supporting each other as a couple after a neonatal loss

  • Registering a neonatal death and/or birth

    You, or those who are supporting you, might find this information about the steps that need to be taken to register the death and birth of your baby useful.
    Registering a neonatal death and/or birth

  • Family, friends and colleagues – how to give support after a baby dies

    Find out how you can support parents whose baby has died after birth, including what to say and how you can help practically.
    Family, friends and colleagues – how to give support after a baby dies

  • Trying for another baby after neonatal loss

    Information and advice for parents about trying to get pregnant again after your baby died, and how you might feel during pregnancy.
    Trying for another baby after neonatal loss

  • Rights and benefits after a neonatal death

    Find out your maternity rights and what benefits you’re entitled to if your baby dies within 28 days of the birth. Here is some information and support.
    Rights and benefits after a neonatal death