Support if a child or baby dies

When a child or baby dies there's support available to help you to cope with how you're feeling and things you might need to do.

You may find it helpful to talk to someone about your feelings. This could be:

• a close friend or relative
• your family doctor
• your midwife or health visitor if your baby has died

Support organisations

There are also specialist organisations and charities who can help. If you would prefer not to speak to someone, there's information online.

• Sands is a charity that supports anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. They offer support with grief by telephone, email, in groups or an online forum. Phone 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk. They also provide a free Bereavement Support Pack for parents.

• The Compassionate Friends is a charity run by bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. It offers support to family members after the death of a child including online, phone and local support and resources.

• Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland provides local support services. Phone 0808 802 6161 or email support@crusescotland.org.uk

• Child Bereavement UK offers support to families when a baby or child dies. Phone 0800 02 888 40. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

• Bliss offers support to families when a baby needs neonatal care, or was born premature or sick. 

• Held in our Hearts provide counselling and befriending support for family members after the death of a child. Phone 0131 622 6263 or email info@heldinourhearts.org.uk

• The Scottish Cot Death Trust is a charity dedicated to the sudden unexpected death of babies and young children. They provide various support services across Scotland. Phone 0141 357 3946 or email contact@scottishcotdeathtrust.org

• The Miscarriage Association is a charity who provide support and information to anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy. Phone 01924 200799 or email info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk.

• NHS inform offers information on coping with grief and practical matters following the death of a baby.

Support for children and young people

If you have other children, you can get advice to help them get the support they need or to answer any questions they have about the death of their brother or sister.