Multiple Birth Loss
Finding out you are pregnant with multiples (Twins, Triplets or more) is a very exciting time. A special pregnancy that creates such thrill and wonder amongst all. Those pregnant with identicals marvel at the amazing miracle of one egg splitting and to have identical babies. To suffer the loss of one or all of your babies is devastating and you can be left feeling very alone. You may find comfort in connecting with other parents who also have experienced the loss of their twins triplets or more..
Loss of One ( Going Longer)
Loss of Both/All Babies
Loss of one (Going longer)
For Mums who have suffered the loss of one of their babies early in a multiple pregnancy, sometimes they have to carry both babies longer to give the survivor the best chance at life. Often people forget that the mother has suffered a loss too and focus all on the surviving baby. There has been many expectations for a "going longer Mum" to "just be so happy she has one baby alive” but her heart is so torn.
Parents have found the information below very helpful specifically when suffering the loss of one of their multiple birth babies
- 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. (There is an important factor for the baby who has passed. He /she may have passed away weeks even months before delivery. It may not be recommended you see your baby. Please remember this is a very personal choice. Your baby may be compressed and macerated from the amount of time in utero, however he or she is and was perfectly formed and thus preserved this way.
Some things to ask yourself
- Do I want to name my baby?
- Do I want to see & hold your baby that has died alone and or with his/her survivor. Choosing to see or hold your baby or not, is a very personal choice
- Do I want to have photographs taken of your baby that has died with your survivor baby together. This in time may become a treasured possession for the surviving child also.
- Do I want to hold a funeral / service for my baby
Loss of Both or All babies
Twin loss, Triplet Loss, Quad Loss
When you have lost both or all of your babies from a multiple pregnancy the feelings and making of precious memories is much the same as having lost one baby but for both or all of the babies. It is heart breaking to not take any of your babies home.
Parents have found the information below very helpful specifically when suffering the loss of all of their multiple birth babies
- You may be advised to go home and then come back at a later time/day to deliver your baby. This may seem ridiculous but it does actually give you time to think and make decisions. You may want to bring something special from home for your baby/babies or get the camera. It gives you time to consider what type of delivery is best for you and your baby/babies.
- 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 babies may look like.
- Make the precious memories with your babies together and apart. Together as Twins, Triplets, Quads and as individual little people also.
- Parents of twins have often spoke of how they wished to of had a photograph of them holding their babies in each arm, (something they had imagined and dreamed of throughout the pregnancy)
- Ask that the birth certificate regulations regarding your baby/babies birth is explained to you
Some things to ask yourself
Do I want to name my babies?
Do I want to see & hold my babies? Choosing to see or hold your baby or not, is a very personal choice
Do I want siblings/ other family members/ friends to meet my baby
Do I want to hold a funeral / service for my babies
