Support for bereaved parents
When a child or baby dies you may feel overwhelmed, but there is support available to help you to cope with how you're feeling and things you might need to do.
You may find it helpful to talk to someone about your feelings. This could be:
- a close friend or relative
- your family doctor
- your midwife or health visitor if your baby has died
Support organisations
There are also specialist organisations and charities who can help. If you would prefer not to speak to someone, there is lots of information online that you can read:
Sands is a charity that supports anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. They offer support with grief by telephone, email, in groups or an online forum. Call their helpline on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk. They also provide a free Bereavement Support Pack for parents.
The Compassionate Friends is a charity run by bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. It offers support to family members after the death of a child including online, telephone and local support and resources.
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland provides local support services. Call their helpline on 0845 600 2227 or email support@crusescotland.org.uk
Child Bereavement UK offers support to families when a baby or child dies. Their helpline – 0800 02 888 40 – is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Miscarriage support is a counselling service supporting people affected by miscarriage, neonatal death and stillbirth. Call them on 0141 552 5070 or email info@miscarriagesupport.org.uk.
The Scottish Cot Death Trust is a charity dedicated to the sudden unexpected death of babies and young children. They provide various support services across Scotland. Call them on 0141 357 3946 or email contact@scottishcotdeathtrust.org
NHS inform offers information on coping with grief and practical matters following the death of a baby.
Support for children and young people
If you have other children, you can get advice to help them get the support they need or to answer any questions they have about the death of their brother or sister.