Pregnancy Loss
We offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family if you have experienced the loss of your baby.
The loss of a baby, at any stage, is a very difficult time for women, their partner, and families. This loss can affect your emotional and physical health.
With a loss of a baby, there is no right or wrong way to feel. Some people may experience a range of reactions which can be common, including shock, sadness, and anger. Some people feel it is hard to talk about at the time and many carry the memory of their baby with them throughout their life.
It can be a time that may not be well understood by family and friends. Those close to you may not know how to help you. Support can come from others who have had similar experiences. It is important to reach out for support during this time and seek professional help when you need it.
Pregnancy loss encompasses several terms relating to the loss of your baby:
In NSW, you may be able to access some time off work to help you recover if you need it. For more information click here.
You may be eligible for financial support after a stillbirth.
If you have experienced a pregnancy loss and need more support from the hospital, contact your midwife or social worker. Red Nose has a 24/7 support line if you need to talk to someone about your grief after losing your baby 1300 308 307.
These organisations are here to support you:
- COPE: https://www.cope.org.au/planning-a-family/pregnancy-loss/
- Bears of Hope: https://www.bearsofhope.org.au/seek-support/
- Pink Elephants: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/
- Pregnancy Loss Australia: https://www.pregnancylossaustralia.org.au/
- SANDS: https://www.sands.org.au/
- Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence Parent Information
- Pregnancy Birth & Baby: Experiencing a pregnancy loss | Pregnancy Birth and Baby (pregnancybirthbaby.org.au)
- Breast Care when a baby has died: Breast care when your baby has died
Translated resources for miscarriage and early pregnancy loss:
- https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/Pages/early-pregnancy-when-things-go-wrong.aspx
- https://rednose.org.au/page/translated-stillbirth-resources
For Further Information
- https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/experiencing-a-pregnancy-loss
- https://stillbirthcre.org.au/parents/care-after-loss/support-groups/
- https://stillbirthfoundation.org.au/support-topics/help-and-support-for-parents/
- https://www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/compassionate-and-bereavement-leave
- https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/deciding-between-parental-leave-pay-and-stillborn-baby-payment?context=22221
- https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/what-is-a-stillbirth
- https://rednosegriefandloss.org.au/fathers-of-loss
- https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/Pages/early-pregnancy-when-things-go-wrong.aspx