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After the loss of your baby
If your baby's gestational age was more than 20 weeks, you are legally required to register your baby with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Forms should be provided to you.
If the baby's gestational age was under 20 weeks, Births, Deaths and Marriages offers a recognition certificate for babies not able to be formally registered.
You may be asked to consider a post mortem examination of your baby. The doctor, nurse or midwife will discuss the benefits with you. The post mortem coordinator of your hospital should be available to answer any questions.
For funeral arrangements, the chaplain or pastoral care representative at your hospital and social worker can provide you with information and discuss options.
Support services
Grief support agencies can provide you and other family members with 24 hour, seven day bereavement support after the unexpected loss of a pregnancy or baby. Contact SANDS on 1300 072 637 or Red Nose Grief and Loss on 1300 308 307.
Information and support to help you deal with your loss:
- After the Death of Your Baby (King Edward Memorial Hospital)
- Perinatal Loss Service (King Edward Memorial Hospital)
- Pregnancy loss (Department of Health)
Government services:
- Stillborn Baby Payment (Centrelink)
Other services:
- Bears of Hope – WA Support Services
- Stillbirth Foundation
