If a twin or multiple dies

If your child was a twin or multiple, you may feel that you are not able to grieve properly for the one who died.

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A woman is sat with an empty expression. The sun is lighting up her hair and it blows in the wind.

Bereavement support for twins and multiples

You have the surviving child(ren) that need your love and continued caring with day-to-day routines, leaving you with little time for your own emotions. Your feelings will also be mixed because your surviving child(ren) are a constant reminder that there should be more.

Your doctor or the hospital may suggest that your surviving child(ren) go into hospital for tests, although it is extremely rare for siblings to die after the death of a twin or multiple. If your child was under a year old, you may also want to speak to your midwife, health visitor or paediatrician about joining your local Care of Next Infant (CONI) programme where you can receive extra support and reassurance.

Anniversaries such as birthdays may be especially poignant after the death of a twin or multiple. It is important as your surviving child(ren) grow that they know that they had a brother or sister, sharing your memories and photographs may help.

You may find it useful to visit Footprints Baby Loss Twin Triplet Support. They provide vital support to parents and families who experience the death of one or more of their twins or triplets before, during or after birth.

Nadine's Story

  • 13 December, 2021
    Image of baby with a pink blanket on the left, and twins on the right lying on their backs looking up at the camera.

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    Nadine's Story

    Nadine shares the story of her daughter, Hazel.

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