Introduction
Before you begin reading about care and planning, this section offers a quiet moment to pause. We know your journey began long before this guide. This is your path — begin where it feels right for you.
This guide is here to gently support your next steps, at your own pace and in your own way. They hold space for the grief you carry, the strength that brought you here, and the questions that may still feel too big to ask.
In this section you’ll find tips on how to use the guide, the words we’ve chosen throughout, and messages for partners, family, and support people.
Making this guide work for you
This guide was created to support you during a pregnancy after loss. It offers clear information, gentle reflections, and space to think about what matters to you.
It is not to replace personal care or support, but is a tool you can use in the way that suits you best — now or later, all at once, or bit by bit.
Some parts may feel helpful right away. Others might be useful later, or not at all. There is no right or wrong way to use this guide.
You may also want to share parts of it with family or friends. It can be hard to explain what you’re going through, and this guide may help. Throughout this guide you’ll find gentle prompts to help you reflect, or note down thoughts or questions to share with your doctor, midwife, counsellor, or support person.
Throughout, you will also see quotes and reflections from other parents who’ve experienced pregnancy after loss. We hope their words bring comfort and help you feel less alone.
If any part of the guide feels too much right now, it’s okay to pause and return when you’re ready.
Some support services are listed at the end of this guide if you’d like to explore them.
A note about the words we use
We worked closely with parents to ensure this guide uses kind and respectful language. We aim to include everyone and reflect the different ways people talk about their experiences.
We use parent-centred language — words that focus on parents and their feelings. Pregnancy and baby loss can have a deep and lasting impact, and the words we choose are meant to honour that love, grief, and connection.
We use the term pregnancy and baby loss to describe all types of loss during pregnancy or after birth. This includes early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, newborn death, and ending a pregnancy for medical reasons. Many families prefer this term because it honours their baby and the bond they feel.
We also use the word navigate to mean finding your own way through something difficult — like finding your way through a pregnancy after loss.
We use the word woman to refer to the person who is pregnant and gives birth. We know not everyone uses this word. If another word feels better for you, please use it and let your care team know.
We use the word parent to include all mothers, fathers, and partners. We also understand that not everyone who experiences pregnancy and baby loss sees themselves as a parent.
When we say healthcare professional, care provider, or care team, we mean people who provide medical or emotional care like midwives, doctors, nurses, social workers, and counsellors.
We also recognise the important role of family, friends, peer groups, and communities who support parents during and after loss.
Support if English is not your first language
Pregnancy after loss is a deeply emotional experience, and it can feel even harder if English isn’t your first language. Your voice and your story matter.
You can ask for a professional interpreter at any public health appointment. This support is free and can help you feel more informed and understood. You can also bring a trusted family member or support person to help during conversations with your care team.
We understand that culturally appropriate support is not always easy to access. If it would help, ask your care provider about:
- Multicultural health workers or liaison officers.
- Community organisations that support families from your cultural or religious background.
- Support groups or services available in your preferred language.
Finding local support
Support options may differ depending on where you live. If you’re unsure how to find services in your language or community, your doctor, midwife or hospital social worker can help guide you to the right support.
