Grief can cloud much of the remaining good in life, especially when an infant dies. Consider ways to find solace as you work toward accepting the death and moving forward.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Infant death is one of the most devastating experiences any parent could face. Although nothing can take away the pain or fill the baby's place in your heart, it can help to acknowledge your grief and share feelings with others who've had similar losses.

It's important to find social support for your grief. Acknowledging your baby's death — as well as your lost hopes and dreams for the baby's future — is an important part of the grieving process. It's often comforting and therapeutic to connect with other parents who've experienced infant death. This can be done through support groups or websites devoted to grieving the loss of a baby.

Consider professional counseling at any point, especially if you don't feel supported in your grief or you don't notice any improvement within six months.

Grieving is physically and emotionally exhausting. Friends and loved ones might not understand the intensity of your grief or your need for unconditional support. Focus on spending time with friends or loved ones who offer the type of understanding and encouragement you need.

To help others understand what you're experiencing, you might want to share material on infant death from your doctor, support group or helpful websites. Avoid being drawn into arguments, however. If you're facing someone who doesn't support your grief, you might explain that the situation is too difficult to discuss with him or her.

If you ended a much-wanted pregnancy, carried a pregnancy to term knowing the baby wouldn't survive or discontinued life support for your critically ill baby, you might carry an even heavier emotional burden. If others pass judgment on your decision, you might feel isolated and even more desolate. Support from an understanding grief group or professional counselor can be invaluable.

An infant death is traumatic. You might be plagued with anger or guilt — or perhaps you're tormented by questions that simply can't be answered. All of these emotions are normal. How you handle your emotions is up to you. Remember, everyone copes with grief in different ways.

Some parents find solace in creating a memorial for their baby. You might hold a funeral or memorial service, assemble treasured photos of your baby, create plaster molds of your baby's handprints or footprints, or store a baby blanket or favorite toy.

As you come to terms with your feelings, maintain your physical health. Eat a healthy diet, include physical activity in your daily routine, and spend time with supportive friends and loved ones.









Jan. 30, 2015