This page offers some deep indepth distressing news that can be too upsetting for parents to read. If this is too painful please press your back button now.

Your Baby is cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit.Every day the news changes some good and some bad as the nursing staff tend to your sick premature baby or newborn. This section of the website looks at the devastaing news you may have to hear that baby is not going to make it or baby has passed away in the NICU.

Neonatal death is the term for babies that die within four weeks of birth. In fact, most neonatal deaths happen within one week of the birth - in the UK this represents about 1 in 100 births.

 The most common reasons are low birth-weight and congenital abnormalities. Sometimes the placenta fails towards the end of the pregnancy, or even during labour and sometimes the stress of birth is too great for the baby. Rarely, something goes tragically wrong during labour, resulting in the death of the baby. After the death of a baby, it is quite natural for parents to ask whether they "did anything wrong", whether they could have done something differently/better etc

Parents with very sick or premature babies can face incredibly difficult and important questions about a baby’s treatment and care.

Palative care for premature babies. Once they have discussed with you an end of life care plan for the final moments that baby is alive. The consultant will make baby feel as comfortable as possible. All necessary steps will be taken to ensure baby is in no pain for the short time he or she has left to live. As parents you are allowed to hold your baby for final cuddles as baby may drop off to sleep in your arms peacefully for the last time.An autopsy may be needed to determine the cause of death.Once your baby is back you can make final arrangements for a funeral or cremation service should you require one.Your baby can wear clothes of your choice after death.If you also require another outfit ordered for your baby's funeral casket to say final goodbyes in.You can find the link for the tiny sizes HERE

Your baby may have been stillborn or died during or soon after birth. He or she might have spent some time in a special care baby unit. It may be that your baby died at an earlier gestation or that you had to make the difficult decision to end your pregnancy. SANDS offer support whenever a baby dies.

As well as supporting mothers and fathers, thye are also able to help other members of your family, especially grandparents and other children. Many people may be touched by your baby's death, including friends and health professionals, and all are welcome to contact us for support and information.

MORE USEFUL BABY LOSS RESOURCES:

The Miscarriage Association
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome & Other Infant Death (SIDS/OID)
Helping After Neonatal Death (HAND)
M.I.S.S.(Mothers in Sympathy & Support)
SPALS (Subsequent Pregnancy After a Loss Support)
NetDoctor.co.uk - information on children's health & diseases
The Fetal Medicine Foundation