children s health issues
Illness and Death in Infants
Infant Loss (Death of an Infant)
Loss of an infant is always emotionally traumatic for parents. However, if a newborn dies before being seen or touched by the parents, the parents may feel as though they never had a baby. Although painful, holding or seeing the baby after death can help parents begin to grieve and begin the process of closure. Parents of a stillborn infant sometimes find comfort in dressing the infant or wrapping the infant in a baby blanket and taking photographs, footprints, or other keepsakes they can save to remember their child. This practice humanizes the infant and reinforces that the infant was a real part of their family. Seeing and touching an infant who has died often helps parents begin to grieve. Emptiness, lost hopes and dreams, and fear may overwhelm parents, who may become depressed. Parents tend to feel guilty, blaming themselves even when they are not responsible for the death. The grief and guilt that follow may strain the relationship between parents. The grieving process may also mean that parents are unable to attend to the needs of other family members, including other children. Many families whose infants are severely ill or who have died can benefit from counseling from psychological or religious personnel. Parent and family support groups also may help. 