Information and support for you following the loss of your baby (up to 23 weeks and 6 days)
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you at this time. The early days following baby loss can often be bewildering and difficult. We are here to support you through this. This page offers information and explains some of your options. Providing practical guidance so that you are aware and understand the choices available to you.
Memory making with your baby
You and your family may wish to spend time with your baby. You may wish to wash, dress, hold and cuddle your baby, you can take as much time as you need to do this. It may be possible to take handprints, footprints and a lock of hair too if you wish; a midwife will be present to help with this.
Photographs
At Gloucester, we have specialist photographers who can come to take photos of your baby. This service is free of charge. Please ask your midwife or nurse if this is something you would like us to arrange. There are leaflets available in the room with advice and information. You can also take as many photographs as you wish yourself.
Blessing of your baby
When your baby is born, we can contact one of our hospital chaplains to bless your baby. Or your own religious leader if you prefer. If you do not have a particular religious faith or do not wish for your baby to be blessed, you are still welcome to talk to one of the chaplains if you felt this would benefit you.
Baby loss certificate
If your baby was less than 24 weeks gestation you are not required by law to register your baby's birth, but there is an option to receive a certificate from the government in memory of your baby.
For further information please type the website address below into your internet browser:
Baby loss certificate
Private funeral arrangements
If you would like to arrange a private funeral for your baby, you can contact a funeral director. They will help make sure the arrangements follow your wishes. Most funeral directors offer this service free of charge. There may be a charge for a burial, but there is no charge for a cremation.
For more information, please contact the Bereavement Support Midwife. The telephone number is at the end of this leaflet.
Burial on private land
You can take your baby from the hospital to be buried on land that you own. This cannot be council land or common land. You should contact the Environment Agency or your local council for official guidance and advice. The hospital Bereavement Office staff can also advise you.
For more information about taking your baby home after their death, please type the website address below into your internet browser. You can also ask your midwife for a paper copy.
Gloucestershire Hospitals
Hospital cremation service
If you do not want to make your own arrangements, the Trust can arrange for your baby to be cremated with dignity and respect. This will take place at a crematorium after a short religious service led by the hospital chaplain.
Other babies will also be included in the service as part of a communal cremation. For reasons of confidentiality, you will not be able to attend. A record of the service will be kept at the hospital. The hospital chaplain can let you know when the service has taken place. Ashes are not available after a communal cremation.
You will be asked to sign a form to give your permission for your baby’s cremation. Please take the time you need to decide which option is right for you.
If you choose a communal hospital cremation and then change your mind, please contact the Bereavement Office or the Bereavement Midwife within 5 working days of your baby’s birth.
Hospital Remembrance Books
There are Remembrance Books at both Gloucester and Cheltenham hospitals. You are welcome to place an entry in memory of your baby. Your message should be no more than 50 words. Your message will then be inscribed by hand into the book, as well as a hand inscribed copy for you to keep. If you would like to make an entry into one of the books, please send your text to ghn-tr.spiritualcare@nhs.net. Please add your name, address and state the hospital that you’d like your entry to be made at.
The books can be viewed at any time when the chaplain staff are available. Please liaise with the bereavement midwives, if you wish to come and see the book prior to, or after, making an entry, they will help you to organise this.
Service of Remembrance
Each year, in May and October, a Service of Remembrance will be held at The Chapel in Gloucester royal hospital and St Luke’s Church, Cheltenham, respectively.
Information about these services is available from the hospital chaplain, the telephone number is at the end of this leaflet.
Bereavement Garden
At Gloucester hospital we have a memorial garden to remember all the babies born sleeping, and those who lived for a short time.
In the garden, we have seeded paper available for you and other family members to write your baby a letter should you wish. Letters can then be posted in the white post box. During the springtime we plant your letters into the garden to grow. We also have a Memory Tree. A lovely handmade piece of art and the brass and copper leaves can be personalised with your own special messages of remembrance.
If you wish to have a leaf dedicated to your baby, visit the website below by typing the link into your internal browser.
Memory Tree Leaf Request
https://cheltenhamgloucesterhospitalscharity.beaconforms.com/form/a7c6449e
Contact information
Bereavement Support Midwife
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 07966 178 288 or 07812 700 625
Office: 0300 422 5564
Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
If there is no answer, please leave a message. Calls made after 3:30 pm are more likely to be returned the next working day.
Hospital Chaplains
Tel: 0300 422 6200
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Bereavement Officer
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 6742
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm