Coping With the Loss of a Stillborn Birth or SDS Child

Losing a child is an unexpected heartbreak that couples hope to never go through. The immense sadness is significant and can be a long-lasting process to go through. Although the grieving process is different for all couples, there is a lonely feeling that arises again and again when coming to terms with the loss of a child.

Stillborn births and SDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) are both immeasurable shocks that take a lot out of a couple as they grieve the loss of their baby. You are more than likely experiencing a wide range of emotions that hit you out of nowhere and seem to last forever. You may feel anger, sadness, guilt, denial or disbelief at different times that affect your quality of life.

It is important to mourn the loss of your child and allow yourself to feel all these emotions as you grieve. Talking to one another, expressing your emotions and your feelings with your partner can help to bring you two closer and support each other as you go through this emotional and difficult time.

Some families attend support groups and connect with others, who have gone through this experience to help grow and heal. Speaking with other people about what they went through and inquiring how they are coping with this loss is healthy for your emotional and mental health as you move forward in life as you heal.

Having a funeral service or a memorial is a good way to say goodbye and help you through your grieving process. It also gives couples the chance to acknowledge their child who has died as they lay the child to rest. This is also a memory and tribute you will have to cherish for the child you have lost. Other memories you can keep and hold onto are a lock of hair, a hand print, a foot print, or a photo.

Having to grieve the loss a child either from SDS or from a stillborn birth is incredibly painful. Supporting your partner and finding the support you need to heal either through support groups, a community midwife or family are resources you can turn to. If you have any other questions or seek any advice moving forward after a loss you can contact our professionals at Arbutus Funeral Service, here.