For babies who have died before birth after 24 weeks gestation, or died soon after birth
When a baby has died before birth, after 24 weeks into a pregnancy, then the death will be referred to as a Stillbirth. When a baby has lived and died soon after birth this is referred to as a neonatal death. In both cases the baby must have a lawful funeral.
The death of all babies who have been stillborn or died shortly after birth must be registered. When a baby has died soon after birth, the birth and the death must be registered. Your midwife will give you a leaflet which will give you the information you need to complete the registration. Once registration has been completed, the Registrar will give you the certificates you will need to organise your baby’s funeral.
Option 1
The hospital can provide you with a funeral service. This can be either a burial or a cremation service. This funeral service will be arranged by the staff in the Bereavement Office. You will need to book an appointment with them to discuss what type of service you want for your baby and, with your input and decision-making, they will arrange your baby’s service. The bereavement office will write to you and confirm all the funeral arrangements with a date and time, and you will be advised to meet with the funeral director.
Option 2
You may wish to arrange private burial or cremation. You will need to contact a funeral director and they will then make arrangements with you, once you have given them the funeral certificates. Most funeral directors do not charge for their services. Please always check before
agreeing this service. The Children’s Funeral Fund can help with some fees you may incur. Please refer to the Children’s Funeral Fund on the Government’s Website.
There are baby burial areas and crematoriums throughout Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde. Each area has their own guidance and costs. The funeral
director will be able to give you accurate information on your choice of location and type of service.
Please understand that your baby is small and it can be difficult to retrieve your baby’s commemorative remains. When completing the documentation at the hospital or with your funeral director, please state if you want your baby’s remains, how you intend to collect them,
or if you would like them to be scattered within the crematorium.
Staff are here to support you throughout this difficult time and will try to answer your questions.
Support can also be given to you and your partner by the Bereavement Support Nurse. If you wish to speak with her please ask staff to contact her on your behalf and take the Bereavement Support Leaflet home with you or download from the hospital website at www.bfwh.nhs.uk/families) as you may wish to arrange support at a later date, following your discharge from hospital, within 12 months of your baby loss.
The Chaplaincy Team are also here to offer you support at this difficult time. Please ask a member of staff to contact a chaplain if you would like their support and a blessing in the hospital. Chaplains are able to support with funeral arrangements at your request. The loss of a baby is a distressing experience, physically and emotionally, and the services discussed may offer you some comfort at this difficult time.
S.A.N.D.S – Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity
Tel 0207 436 5881
www.uk/sands.org.uk
Local SANDS Contacts:
Tel: 07938 977676 / 07519 838 791
The local SANDS group meets every month.
See website or call for details –
support.blackpoolpreston@sands.org.uk
www.blackpoolprestonsands.wordpress.com
Blackpool and Preston Sands
The National Miscarriage Association
National Helpline – Tel 01924 200799
www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Local Contact – 07340 983954 after 8pm. Local
group meets monthly – see website or call for details
FSID – The Foundation of Infant Death
Tel: 0870 787 0554
www.sids.org.uk/fsid/pubslist.htm
Blackpool and Fylde Cot Death Group
Tel: 01253 723523
ARC – Antenatal, Results and Choices
Tel: 0845 077 2290 or 0207 713 7486
info@arch-uk.org
TAMBA – Twins and Multiple Births Association
Tel: 0800 138 0509
asktwinline@tamba.org.uk
Child Bereavement UK
Tel: 0800 028 8840
email: support@childbereavementuk.org
Aching Arms – Achingarms.co.uk
Tel: 07876 504042
Hospital support services
Bereavement Support Nurse (obstetrics)
01253 956877
Bereavement Support Nurse (Paediatrics)
01253 956713
Chaplaincy Team – 01253 956299
Bereavement Office – 01253 953723
Delivery Suite – 01253 953618
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit – 01253 953731
Surgical Assessment - 01253 953410
