Not all parents will have the option of trying to have another baby. Sometimes there are medical or personal reasons why another pregnancy is not possible, such as the mother’s health, age or the couple’s relationship. Parents who had IVF may need to decide whether they are able to bear the emotional and financial costs of going through this process again.
In these situations, it is best to think about where to receive support. Attending a support group for parents who have experienced the death of a baby might be useful in many ways; however, there might also be parents who announce that they are expecting another baby. This can create feelings of jealousy, anger, or provoke a further sense of loss.
The grief of wanting another baby and knowing that this is not possible might compound the feelings of loss for the baby who has just died. Working on a one-to-one basis with a counsellor who can support you through this grief may be more helpful than attending a group. Some Sands groups have been set up specifically for those parents who are expecting another baby, thereby allowing other groups to support parents solely through their experience of loss. It is important to explore the right option for you. The Sands Bereavement Team are experienced in supporting parents in many different situations and our Online Community is an opportunity to share experiences and ideas with other parents in similar situations.