How your body may physically respond after your baby dies

The sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child can have a huge impact on the body and the mind. In the hours, days and weeks that follow, you may notice physical symptoms that feel unfamiliar, frightening or difficult to understand.

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Physical effects of grief

Grief is not only an emotional experience, it can also affect your whole body.

The responses described below are common after trauma and loss. There is no “right” way to feel, and you may experience some of these symptoms, many of them, or none at all.

Click on the ‘i’ icons on the below image, to learn more about the physical effects of grief for each part of the body.

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Remember

The death of a baby or child is the most devastating experience a parent can face. It defies the natural order of life. It can be extremely difficult to make sense of. Physical symptoms after bereavement can be intense, especially in the early days and weeks. While many of these responses are a natural part of acute grief and trauma, it’s important to seek medical advice if you are worried about your health or if symptoms feel severe, persistent or unusual for you.

You deserve care and support for both your physical and emotional wellbeing. If you are unsure, your GP, midwife, health visitor, or another healthcare professional can help. You do not have to manage this alone.

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Grieving and common feelings

When someone we love dies, we experience overwhelming feelings of loss and sorrow, which we call grief.

Common feelings

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Remembering your baby

Having a sense of a continued connection with a baby or young child who died is an important part of navigating grief. This page offers ideas for ways to remember and honour a little one.

Remembering your baby

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Experiences of grief

Looking at some of the common feelings and experiences of grief.

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Podcasts, playlists and other media

We understand the impact a sudden infant death can have on a family and recommend the following media to try and help support families during this difficult time.

Podcasts and other media