So often when a baby dies before birth, there is no funeral or memorial and parents face the devastating loss of all their hopes and dreams for their baby without any formal acknowledgement through ceremony.

The loss of a baby in any trimester, through stillbirth, or in the early days or months of life is devastating and difficult to come to terms with. Shock, numbness, disbelief, anger, guilt, fear and sadness are all normal emotions. Friends and family may not understand how to best support you.

A beautiful memorial, with parents and any siblings only, or with extended family and friends can provide the time and space to express love and grief for your baby, and acknowledge their brief but significant presence as part of the family and community.

It can be very simple and private, or more elaborate, depending on your needs and wishes. Ceremonies can take place immediately after the loss or at a later date—even the one-year anniversary. I can help create a loving tribute that honours the place your baby will always have in your heart.

“Laura was a compassionate partner and coach in helping us to think through how we wanted to honour our son who passed away when I was 32 weeks pregnant. Laura and I spoke by phone and in-person, and went back and forth on email many times. Laura was compassionate and very generous, and she was a very trusted person during this hard time in my life. She made everything easier, because the result of the ceremony was that we honoured the short life of our son and I felt like I was able to find some peace in that. I enjoyed working with Laura. She delivered our private ceremony beautifully and our immediate family all found her warm and caring demeanour very helpful. We will forever remember the ceremony we created with her and how we honoured our son’s life through the beautiful memorial.”

– AC

Photos courtesy of Holly Wilson