Whether a baby or twin baby dies due to miscarriage, a painful decision to end the pregnancy, is stillborn, or lives for only a short time, it can be a devastating loss. The death of a baby is a particular kind of grief, and the intensity of love parents feel for their baby is not measured by how long the baby lived, but in the emotional investment they have in their child.
For parents and the wider family, expecting to welcome a new life and instead facing the reality that their baby has not lived, can be immensely difficult and trying to find answers as to why it has happened can feel very important. This may be something medical staff can tell you, but sometimes there is no clear answer, which can be very difficult to deal with and if you have given birth to your baby, you may still experience all the normal bodily post-natal reactions but without your baby, which can be a devastating reminder of your loss.
You can find more information and links to support in our maternity section.