Baby Bereavement,Birth of a Stillborn Baby Preparaton,funeral for baby

Baby bereavement first things first.

When baby dies before birth is born stillborn or dies just after delivery......
If you have time you may want to think about how you might like your baby to be wrapped and treated once he/she is delivered? Perhaps you have a blanket you'd like to wrap him/her in Until you can order the baby burial clothes you need..
Who would you like to be present at delivery?
Would you like to wash your baby?
Would you like any other family members to see or hold the baby once he/she is born?
Would you like to take your own camera to hospital to take photographs of the baby?
You may want to think about who you would like to inform of your loss.
Discuss this with your partner and midwives or nursing staff.

Post mortem... sometimes a post mortem may be required.A post mortem examination is another stage in investigating a person’s illness. It is a detailed physical examination after they have died. Some post mortem examinations are legally required, others are not.

For more information if you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland visit: direct.gov.uk/en/RightsAndResponsibilities/Death/WhatToDoAfterADeath/DG_066713

For more information if you live in Scotland visit: scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/04/12094440/4

Legal Requirements

Babies Born Before 24 weeks of Pregnancy.

There are no legal requirements to bury or cremate a baby born before 24 weeks of pregnancy.  However many hospitals do offer this service (as does The University Hospital Hartlepool) When a baby is born showing and shows no signs of life parents can decide to bury their child. Parents must co-sign a form with the midwife or attending doctor for the burial or cremation to take place.

Babies Born After 24 Weeks of Pregnancy

When a baby is stillborn the attending doctor will issue a Stillbirth Certificate.

If a baby is born alive and dies shortly after birth at any gestational age, the attending doctor will issue a death certificate.  However, it is required by law that the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages issues a birth/death certificate for the baby. This can be arranged for the registrar to visit at the hospital or alternatively an appointment can be made at the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages.  At our local hospital it can be arranged for the registrar to visit in your own home.

When a Registrar of births receives the death or stillbirth certificate parents are issued a certificate of burial.  If the hospital is arranging burial this certificate must be handed over to hospital staff.  Alternatively, parents who decide to make their own funeral arrangements must hand the certificate over to the Funeral Director.
Funerals
A funeral can be arranged very simply by the hospital. If you want to be more involved there are many alternatives for organising a burial, cremation, and funeral and many organisations which can help you.

Cremation Regulations

New regulations came into being in November 2008 full details are on the website below.
Families now have a right to inspect the cremation forms before the service. In many cases the doctor completing form 4 will do so with the family present. The doctor filling in this form will be providing contact details of those who cared for the person during their final illness, professionals and family, as the second doctor completing form 5 will be confirming the information given by talking to those named.
Separate forms and guidance are available regarding stillborn children. For more information visit: .justice.gov

Dressing baby for a final sleep and saying final goodbyes

early babies may be too fragile to dress in this case opt for a baby burial pouch which can be found here at Something Precious Premature Baby Burial Pouch TEDDY DESIGN by (fetal demise pouch) for babies under 1lb (0.5kg)
£6.00

Something Precious Premature baby complete bereavement dress set PRETTY PRINCESS design 1-3lb
£19.99

Complete Baby bereavement clothing sets and gowns in the most micro of premature baby and tiny baby sizes..  

 baby is able to be dressed with dignity, baby is made to feel comfortable, baby can look more at peace and that he or she is fully dressed in clothes that fit. ready for family cuddles and a then settled for the final sleep. The majority of these baby clothes are made in any size you need to fit baby that has just passed away. Created with simple openings and fastenings for ease of dressing.