My friend would just drop by sometimes and although we didn’t talk much – I just couldn’t – she would just make us some tea and we would sit. Sometimes we chatted a little, but most of the time we were quiet. But her kind and consistent presence with no expectations helped so much.

Some of the key points covered in this module include:

• Although as a relative or friend of someone who is grieving a pregnancy or infant loss you may be unsure how to best support the parent(s), you can try acknowledging the loss and the baby, showing interest in legacy items and rituals, supporting the grieving parent’s choices, and offering support.

• Children experience and express their grief differently than adults, and their reactions can also be affected by their age or developmental stage.

• Some best practices for supporting children include being honest; reassuring them that their feelings are okay; considering their age and personality; asking for help from their school or a grief counsellor, their physician, or another healthcare provider if needed; and letting them know that it is okay if they don’t feel sad. 

• If you are a grandparent who is grieving a pregnancy or infant loss of your grandchild, you may be grieving for your child as well.  It’s important for you to make space for your own grief and express your feelings in ways that work best for you.