If you’ve experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or death of a baby or child, you’ve experienced the deepest grief imaginable. Deciding to try for another baby or confirmation of a new pregnancy can stir up strong feelings for bereaved parents.
The decision to try again is deeply personal, and everyone approaches it differently. Some parents prefer to wait, while others choose to try for another baby immediately. Others decide they don't want to try again at all. There's no wrong decision, only the choice that feels right for you and your family.
Know that support is available, so you don’t have to manage it all alone..
Helpful Information
What happens when I call the PANDA Helpline?
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Self-care after a pregnancy loss
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Preparing for pregnancy
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Talking to your family and loved ones
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When baby arrives
“I couldn’t stop crying when I held Amelia for the first time. I had so much joy for her birth, but also acute grief at her sister’s death. In a way, I think I was saying goodbye. I felt guilty and uplifted at the same time.”
Finding the right support
Where to get support
Many parents find it helpful to discuss their own situation and feelings about another pregnancy. This may be with a hospital social worker, a grief counsellor or a counselling service such as PANDA or Red Nose.
Talking with other parents who have experienced pregnancy loss can also be helpful. Red Nose offers online and group support services, and PANDA provides peer support. Speaking to someone who has had a similar experience can be very reassuring and affirming.
Other services that can support you:
This article is written in collaboration with Red Nose Australia, Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep and safer pregnancy advice, and bereavement support for anyone affected by the death of a baby or child.
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).