Tips for Parents
It is vital that you reach out to others during this time of sadness. Respect your need to talk to friends and family.
Let others know that you need help. Take advantage of the opportunity if someone offers assistance. Your friends and family may not know what to do or say, and want to help in any way that they can.
It may be difficult for you to socialize with others who are pregnant during this time. Consider telling them how it makes you feel and that you may not feel comfortable socializing with them for awhile. They care for you and will most likely understand.
During the time of your sorrow, it may be difficult to think of things that you may cherish in the future. Here are some suggestions from other families. They may seem strange to you, but some may satisfy your desire to care for your baby.
Ways to Memorialize Your Baby
Name your baby
View and hold your baby
Take pictures of your baby and with your baby
Cut a lock of your baby’shair
Take handprints and footprints
Take a plaster molding of your baby’s hands and feet
A birth certificate (if possible)
Keep the plastic arm bracelet prepared by the hospital to identify your child
A record of the weight, length and head and chest measurements of your baby
Keep the blanket and hat that was first given to your baby
If you are allowed time to spend with your baby, here are some suggestions of what some parents choose to do during this time:
Hold and rock your baby
Undress your baby and memorize the baby’s entire body
Bathe your baby
Dress your baby in a special outfit
Talk to the baby or sing a lullaby
Have your baby baptized
Videotape a portion of the time spent with your baby
Invite family and friends to see your baby
Show the baby to older siblings
Sit peacefully with your baby and cry
