Brothers and sisters
It is common for parents to feel worried about how any other children will be affected by their sibling’s death.
Help bereaved parents feel less alone
The friends and family members of those who have suffered the devastating loss of a baby often ask us what support they can offer their loved ones.
It can be difficult to know what to say when someone dies. People may feel scared to bring up the death of a baby or young child and worried that they will upset their grieving loved ones. However, we find that many bereaved parents want to remember and talk about the child they have lost. Many find comfort in speaking their name and sharing special memories of the time they had together.
It can be hard to know what to say and there is no right or wrong where this is concerned. Often just acknowledging that someone special is missing, particularly on occasions such as birthdays and Christmas can help bereaved parents feel less alone in their grief.
Advice from bereaved families
We asked bereaved families to share examples of something that someone said or did that helped them in the weeks, months and years after their baby died.
This is not meant to be a ‘to do’ list for supporting bereaved families, as everyone is different.
We hope that sharing these quotes gives an indication of what to say when someone dies, how important the support offered by friends and families can be and how it can be remembered for many years to come.
Always mention the child’s name.
If you knew the child, talk about any memories you may have. Of course you make shed tears – but that is natural and nothing to worry about. In fact it might act as a temporary release and bring some relief to the bereaved.
Ask how the person feels that day.
Grief comes in waves and every day is different.
Ask them if they want to talk.
Be prepared to hear the same details again and again as this is a way of processing what happened.
Acknowledge and accept all feelings.
It is okay for the grieving person to cry in front of you, to get angry or to break down.
If you genuinely do not know what to say, don’t hide how you feel.
For example say, ‘I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care’.
One friend said he didn’t know what to say other than that he loved us. This may not sound like very much but to us, it meant a lot.
Offer any practical help.
‘Tell me what I can do for you’ – perhaps offering to help with other children, shopping, chores – all of which can seem too much for a while.
I had some brilliant friends who contacted Mum and my sisters. Between them, they made sure I was never on my own. They all made themselves available for me anytime I needed.
Advice from The Lullaby Trust
When someone you care about has suffered such a devastating bereavement it can be difficult to know what to say and how to offer support. It is okay not to know what to say, and just being there for them is important. The bereaved person will need their friends and family more than ever. Just being there for someone can be more important than spoken words. We have put together some guidance on how to support a loved one who has lost a child.
How to support a loved one
- Allow the bereaved person to express whatever he or she is feeling, even if these feelings seem intense and frightening. Try not to use any language that may be judgemental.
- Be available to listen to the parents talk as much and as often as they wish about the baby or child who died. This can be helpful for them. It may be difficult for you to hear, so make sure you seek support for yourself if you think this would be helpful.
- Bereaved parents often want to talk about their child and remember them. Talk freely about the special qualities of the child and do not avoid mentioning the subject.
- Use the child’s name.
- Suggest you look together at photographs, if the parent seems comforted by photos and keepsakes.
- Try not to offer ‘reassurance’ on things you are not completely certain about, and which may indeed remain uncertain. E.g. “I’m sure they’ll find the answer……” “You’ll feel better by then…,” “Everything will be okay………” It’s okay just to listen or admit that you don’t know what to say but that you are there to offer support.
- Give special attention to any other children in the family, especially if the parents are too distressed themselves to give them comfort or attend to their individual needs.
- Offer to help with practical matters: telephoning, shopping, cooking and child minding, but avoid the temptation to take control.
- Do not, however, wash any item of clothing or bedding without being asked, as many parents find great comfort from things that still smell like their child. Unless you are asked, do not pack away the child’s belongings. Never put or throw anything away as this may be regretted later. Usually parents will deal with the child’s belongings when they are ready for them. This can be an important part of coming to terms with the death.
- Never tell the grieving person what he or she should do or how they should feel. Everyone reacts differently and it is important to accept the differences.
- Do not try to find something positive in the bereavement experience. That is something the parents may or may not want to do themselves at a later stage.
- Your offers of support, especially at first, may be received without obvious gratitude, or even ungraciously, but try not to let this lead to an end to your contact or friendship. Parents are often very distressed at losing a valued relationship because neither side knew how to react to such a tragedy at first. If you can remain sensitive to a family’s changing needs as their bereavement goes on, and continue to keep in touch and offer practical help, this will be valuable support.
How we can support you
Our Freephone Helpline is there for anyone in a family affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child. You can call our helpline on 0808 802 6868, or email [email protected].
More ways you can support others
Grandparents and other family
The death of a child affects everyone in the family. A family bereavement can lead to a very deep sense of loss.
What to say to someone after baby loss
Whether it's a relative, best friend, or work colleague who has been impacted by the death of a baby or young child, this page will help you know what to say to someone after baby loss.