Spending Time With Your Baby After a Miscarriage
Seeing and spending time with your baby can be a positive way to express your feelings and can help you to understand the reality of the miscarriage. However, this may only be possible if you experience a late miscarriage.
Depending on the gestational age and the condition of the baby at birth, some parents are able to hold their baby. They may be able to take photographs and have ink prints of the baby’s hands and feet. Some parents may wish to have a religious or cultural ritual. With the support of caring staff to assist them, many families find that this opportunity helps them create lasting memories of their baby.
Choosing to see a baby after a miscarriage is a very personal and individual decision. Whatever your choice, it is important only to do what is right for you in your particular circumstance.
“I was so confused and scared. Part of me wanted to ask questions but I was too frightened and mixed up to ask. I was wondering if I would be able to tell if my baby was a boy or a girl.”
The baby’s remains
A pathological examination similar to a post mortem may be carried out. Following this it is important to talk with the hospital social worker or medical staff to help you make decisions about burial, cremation, funeral or memorial services.
Some parents may want their baby’s body to be returned to them and a request to this effect may be made through a hospital social worker or a member of the medical staff. Parents can then plan a funeral, cremation or burial for their baby, although this is not legally required. Should you wish, your hospital social worker or health professional will be able to give you more information.
Last reviewed: 20/4/24
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- Braithwaite, J., Richardson, R. & Waterson, P. (eds.). (2011). Miscarriage: Information for Parents and Families ( M.McSpedden, H. Wilkinson, L. Pash, T. Diamond & M. Zang, Rev.) (7th ed.). Lilyfield, NSW: SIDS and Kids NSW.