In our society, grief at the death of a newborn, or a baby who has died during pregnancy or through miscarriage, is generally not accepted. Others, who have not seen or touched the baby, do not understand that a very real member of the family has died. Often the grief and loss felt by the parents is not understood. The baby is quickly forgotten by others, leaving the parents alone in their grief. The subsequent isolation may create difficulties in the expression of feelings, which can unnecessarily prolong the time of grieving.
Parents learn that the deeply felt, long-lasting feelings they are having are normal.
They gain a sense of wholeness when they realize that their pain and grief is not unique, but rather is something which nearly all bereaved parents feel.