Perinatal Grief and Loss
Fertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, termination, SIDS/SUDS
Parents who have experienced perinatal grief and loss through miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, termination, neonatal death, SIDS/SUDS face a very difficult and emotional time.
We know that 1 in 4 families experience miscarriage (pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks). Rates vary for stillbirth and other perinatal losses.
Perinatal grief and loss is a process and not an event, and there is no time frame on the process.
Perinatal grief and loss can affect thoughts, feelings, behaviours and beliefs, and relationships with others. When a family experiences a fertility difficulties, miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination, the intensity of grief is not about the number of weeks gestation - it depends on the hopes, dreams and imaginings the parent had about their baby - what we know as “Gestation in Mind”.
​Common pregnancy grief and loss feelings:
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disbelief and shock, sadness, anger, bargaining
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Families who have experienced pregnancy or child loss often can feel very isolated as those around them may not know what to say and avoid them or say well-meaning but hurtful things.
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trauma symptoms.
We also know that perinatal grief and loss can be a very isolating time for bereaved families. Perinatal grief and loss is known as a “disenfranchised grief”, it is often not spoken about or validated. People around the bereaved family may not know what to say and may avoid the family or may say well-meaning but hurtful comments. In either case the bereaved family is left feeling isolated and alone. Our perinatal psychologists and psychiatrist are able to provide psychological support through this time.