Sands Antigua & Barbuda

Stillbirth and the loss of a baby during pregnancy is often seen as a non-event and not recognised by many as a real loss. Parents, have never met their baby before and as such have no memories of past events.

Parents need to be informed of all the options available to them through honest, open aand unhurried discussion. This will allow them to make their own decisions in their own time.

Mementos of Baby 

These should be offered to parents whenever a baby has died. 

Photographs

These should be offered in a variety of ways to the parents eg naked, dressed, alone, with parents, with siblings etc etc - BUT never, ever take photographs without the parents' consent.

Footprints & Handprints 

These should be taken where the baby is big enough for them to be taken.

They should also be offered in a choice of colours ie pink, blue, gold and so on. Great care should be taken whilst taking these prints and do not worry if it takes more than one attempt to get them just right.

 Lock of Hair

This can only be taken if the baby has enough hair for this to be done. 

 Cot Card / Cord Clamp

Parents will treasure anything they can keep, so always offer these items to them. 

 Baby Clothes / Baby Blankets

Parents often like to remember the scent of their baby, so anything that their baby was wearing or wrapped in will stimulate their sense of smell quite powerfully. 

Clothes also provide a memory of how big or small their baby was and many parents will spend time just touching and holding these outfits which can be very comforting for them. 

Ultrasound Photos

These are especially important for little babies as confirmation that their baby was real.