A Guide To Your Options For Funeral Arrangements After A Miscarriage

If you have recently experienced the unfortunate loss of a baby before he or she could be born, it can feel as if it is impossible to fully acknowledge or properly grieve for your early loss. However, it is important to note that you can still have a funeral for your child, even if the pregnancy was too early to bury any physical remains. If you are interested in planning a memorial or making funeral arrangements for your unborn child, the following information will be very helpful.

You Are Not Alone

Although it is easy to feel alone at this challenging time, there are many other parents who have experienced the same loss. Recent statistics are that as many as one out of every five pregnancies end in miscarriage, primarily in the first trimester. Stillbirths, which are frequently defined as the death of a fetus after 20 weeks of gestation, occur in about one out of every 160 births. The causes of both are often unknown and 5% of women will have two or more recurrent miscarriages.

Even though funerals or memorials for unborn babies are not as common as they are for stillborn babies, they are an option for you and your family at this difficult time.

Know Your Options

You have numerous options when making the final arrangements for your baby. One of the big decisions you will need to make after a miscarriage starts at the hospital. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for hospitalizations to dispose of the product of conception after an early loss. If you do not want the hospital staff to do so, be sure to tell them as soon as possible after your loss. However, it is becoming more common for bereaved parents to be able to be allowed access to the remains for prompt burial. If that is not an option or the remains have already been disposed of, you can host a memorial service.

Choosing The Right Arrangements

A funeral can be as simple or as ornate as you would like it to be. You can elect to bury a coffin, with or without the remains of your baby inside. In addition, some parents have chosen to have their baby cremated when possible. If your pregnancy was too early to provide any genetic material, it could also be soothing to bury or otherwise acknowledge items you purchased for your baby. A common item like a blanket or toy would be appropriate in this context and could help you to get through the grieving process.

In conclusion, funeral arrangements can make it easier to cope with the loss of your unborn child. Acknowledging the baby's existence,even if it was only for a brief period of time, with a proper funeral or memorial can be an important step in the healing process.