How to navigate the loss of a baby

Losing a baby is one of the most painful experiences a parent can endure. In the early days, grief can feel overwhelming, confusing, and all-consuming. If you are navigating the loss of your child, please know this first: there is nothing you are feeling that is wrong, and you do not need to have answers right now.

Grief after losing a baby is not something to “fix” or rush through. It is something to be held gently, one moment at a time.

Grief After Infant Loss Looks Different for Everyone

There is no single way to grieve the loss of a baby. Some parents feel intense sadness right away, while others feel numb or disconnected. You may experience waves of emotion—grief, anger, guilt, exhaustion, or even moments of calm that feel unexpected.

All of these responses are normal. Grief does not follow a timeline, and it does not move in a straight line. Whether your baby lived for minutes, days, or never came home, your grief is real and valid.

Take Each Moment as It Comes

In the earliest stages of bereavement, focusing on the future can feel impossible. Try to bring your attention back to what feels manageable right now—this hour, this breath, this small step.

Simple acts like drinking water, resting when you can, or stepping outside for fresh air are not signs of weakness. They are acts of survival and care during profound loss.

Allow Yourself to Feel Without Judgment

You may feel pressure—internally or from others—to be “strong.” But grief after child loss is heavy, and it deserves space. Crying, feeling quiet, or needing time alone are all natural responses.

It is also okay if you do not feel ready to talk. You are allowed to protect your heart while it is tender.

Finding Comfort Through Remembrance

Many parents find that creating a way to honour their baby’s memory brings a sense of comfort and connection. This does not have to be elaborate or public. It can be something deeply personal, such as:

• Creating a quiet memorial space at home

• Choosing a baby urn or keepsake that feels meaningful

• Lighting a candle in remembrance

• Writing your baby’s name or journaling your thoughts

• Holding onto a blanket, photo, or small memento

These acts are not about holding onto pain—they are about honouring love.

Seek Support When You Feel Ready

You do not have to grieve alone. Support can come in many forms: a trusted friend, a partner, a family member, or others who have experienced infant loss. Some parents find comfort in grief support groups or professional counseling, especially when emotions feel overwhelming.

There is no requirement to seek help immediately. Reaching out—when and if you are ready—is a gentle step, not a burden to others.

Be Gentle With Yourself

Grief after losing a baby can affect your body, sleep, focus, and sense of identity. You may feel changed, and that is understandable. Healing does not mean forgetting your child. It means learning how to carry their memory alongside your life.

There is no “moving on” from your baby—only moving forward with love.

You Are Not Alone in This Grief

If you are reading this in the quiet moments after loss, know that your grief matters. Your baby matters. And you deserve compassion, patience, and care—especially from yourself.

We honour the love you carry and the bond that will always remain.

With deepest compassion,
PurekeepsakesUK
Handcrafted Ceramic Urns for Baby Ashes
Love remembered. Lives honoured.