There are no words to describe the pain and immense grief that losing a child brings. Sadness, anger, confusion, isolation are just a few words that begin to describe this experience. These are all normal responses to a very abnormal circumstance. No one expects to lose a child. It's never part of the plan so when it does happen, it truly is shocking.

 

Approximately 24,000 pregnancies result in stillbirth each year. A stillbirth is defined as a the death of a baby before or during delivery. Studies have also shown that 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, which is defined as the loss of baby before the 20th week of pregnancy. While pregnancy and infant loss is relatively common, this doesn't make it any easier. You don't have to suffer in silence or alone. Here are some common emotions experienced after losing a child: