Your Bereavement Rights
Did you know that October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month? This is a time to remember the babies we have loved but lost–whether it was due to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, SIDS, or any other heartbreaking death of a newborn.
October 15 is observed annually in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Wales and Italy. The day includes remembrance ceremonies and candle-lighting vigils, as well as the Lights of Love International Wave of Light, which is a worldwide lighting of candles.
When we talk about pregnancy loss and infant death, it’s vital that we also discuss a parent’s rights in the case of baby loss.
It’s unpleasant to consider the loss of a baby, but important that in the event of an emergency, every mother knows these basic rights.
In the event of a loss, you have the right to:
Bury your child with your family’s beliefs and rituals. You have the right to ask how your child’s body will be taken care of in the hospital. And you should know that funeral homes often provide deeply discounted rates to assist parents after such a loss.
See, hold, and even take photographs of your child. Because many mothers later regret not holding or taking photos of their child who died before or after birth, many hospitals now encourage parents to spend time with their baby. If you can not bring yourself to hold and photograph your baby, you can ask hospital staff to do it for you.
Name your baby. You get to name your baby at any point in pregnancy, and also have the right to request that your medical team refer to your child by name or as Baby in your presence instead of in technical terms.
Accept items in memory of your child. Most hospitals now provide a sort of bereavement box. Whether or not your hospital does so, you can request any items that would be offered to a healthy infant–like the wristband–be prepared and given to you.
Request another caregiver or different room. You don’t have to put up with an insensitive caregiver, nor must you recover in a room near crying babies. If you are uncomfortable, you can ask for a change.
At Bella Baby Photography, we offer considerate and compassionate bereavement photos. Our professional photographers are kind and passionate when providing you with such an important remembrance of your baby. Please visit our website to contact us today, or ask your hospital for further information.