Sometimes feelings of grief don't appear immediately after the loss but at a later time. Don't be afraid to ask how the parents are feeling, to talk about the baby and mention its name, if it has one. Sometimes people think that it's comforting to say things like 'you can always have another baby' or 'perhaps it was for the best', but these comments can be also be hurtful. But offering practical support and being prepared to listen patiently to parents talk about their grief can help them through this difficult time. The Translating and Interpreting Service on 131450 can help you make the call.
Counselling is also available at community health centres.
7517 GPO Box 1614, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia This site has been made possible with the cooperation and support of NSW Health Dept and South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service.