There is often the assumption that the birth mother is the primary griever when a couple experiences the death of a baby. Partners are often expected to assume a supportive role without adequate recognition of their own loss. This section is written primarily to support partners, whilst you are having to make difficult and unexpected decisions. For further support, please contact our Bereavement Support Services team, details of which are below.
This section is written for partners, including fathers in same-sex or heterosexual relationships and co-mothers. Adoptive parents might also find it useful.
Many of the preceding sections contain information that is relevant to both people in the couple. However, this section focusses more specifically on what a partner might need to know and how they might feel. In the case of adoptive parents, their support might be for the birth mother of the child that they are adopting.