Preparing for your babys birth
Here we have some gentle ideas and suggestions of what other bereaved parents, have found helpful to know in their time of preparing for the birth of their precious baby or babies.
Questions & things to consider
- Write down any questions you may have
- Ask any questions that you may have
- Ask as many questions as you feel you need to know.
- Please don't be pressured into either decision about delivery of your baby do what feels right for you. This is a very individual choice.
- Ask for an honest explanation of what to expect with the delivery of your baby
- Ask what your baby may look like.
- Ask what size your baby might be
- Ask that the birth certificate regulations regarding your baby/babies birth is explained to you
- Ask what is the procedure for funeral arrangements.
- Know that you may if you want to hold a funeral burial or cremation service for your baby.
- Think about is there anything you may like to do with your baby
- Think about is there anything you would like to bring from home for your baby - such as a blanket/shawl or little beanie hat
- What momentos can I have from my baby's birth? (You may like to organise a professional photographer and or arrange hand and foot casts.
- We have more ideas of creating memories on the keepsake & memories tab
Some things to ask yourself.. Do I want to....
- Take some last photos of my pregnant belly?
- Name my baby?
- See & or hold my baby? Choosing to see or hold your baby or not, is a very personal choice
- Hold a funeral / memorial service for my baby? Here is a website that lists funeral directors across Australia
- Have photos taken of my baby and of myself/partner with baby?
- Have video footage taken of my baby and of myself or family with baby?
- Allow other family members to see my baby?
- Put a birth and or death notice in the paper?
What to bring from home?
Some families have told us how this was the last thing on their mind when they just found out such devastating news about their baby or babies.
Here is a simple list of some things you may want and need to bring from home
- clothes/toiletries for Mum
- clothes/toiletries for Dad as in most hospitals he will be welcome to stay also
- camera/video camera
- a journal/diary/paper to write down your thoughts
- a special blanket for baby
- special clothes/outfit for baby (most hospitals do have tiny beautiful clothes made just for tiny babies)
- TLC also have a lovely supply of clothes for babies that we are most happy to give to you for your baby/babies
Shared suggestions that were helpful to other parents experience:
- Offered a private/single room (which is away from the nursery and new mothers and baby's)
- Encouragement but not pressure to hold and or see your baby
- To have as much time as you want with your baby
- To be given as many choices and possibilities to make precious memories with your baby/baby.
- That you are shown consideration and compassion
- That you know you can ask for different particular staff
- That repertoire with your midwife is important
- That you are given honest, full and clear explanations of what has happened to your baby and what will happen next.
- That you are given choices and offered suggestions
- That you are offered to see a counsellor, social worker and or Hospital Chaplain
- That you are offered as much information and literature of bereavement support resources available
- That you are not pressured into filling in paperwork (Birth and Death certificates) until you feel you are ready
- That the process of making funeral arrangements is explained to you
- The birth certificate regulations regarding your baby's birth is explained to you.
- That you are not pressured into leaving the hospital too early
- If you want pictures or other momentos (like the blanket your baby was wrapped in) don't hesitate to ask.
- Many hospitals will keep the photos in your baby's file until you request them.
- If there is something you want to do for your baby while in hospital, ask to do it. It is alright to ask & it is very normal to want to do these things with your baby.
