Losing all your babies from a twin or triplet pregnancy can have huge emotional repercussions. The grief can be immense and long-lasting, as it involves the loss of your babies' lives and the hopes and dreams of raising multiples.
Also in this section
- I've lost all my babies
- How might I feel after my babies die?
- Seeing and holding your babies after they've died
- Returning home
If one or more of your babies die after 14 weeks, you may be able to see them, if you wish. If your baby has grown enough and the loss happened in hospital, you may be asked if you'd like to hold them and dress them.
Although this may feel upsetting, many parents say they do not regret making the decision to see their baby. If you're unsure if you want to do this, talk to your midwife or doctor. They can describe your baby, take a photograph first and support you until you're ready to make a decision.
You may wish to contact the charity Remember My Baby. They offer free baby remembrance photography for parents who've experienced baby loss.
Questions you may find helpful to ask at hospital
It might be difficult to know what decisions to make and what questions to ask; below are some ideas and questions to support you to do what feels right for you and your family:
- If you'd like to spend time with your babies and hold them, you may want to ask how long will I have? Will I be given a private room?
- If the hospital makes memory boxes, what sort of things do they include? Some ideas for a memory box: ultrasound scan, wrist tags, locks of hair, cot cards, birth notes, photos of your babies, photos of yourself pregnant (even if you didn't know you were pregnant, or look pregnant), favourite baby clothes or blanket, birth and death certificates, any cards received.
- Does the hospital make hand and footprints?
- Does the hospital have a memorial book?
- Would you like any family members to visit your babies and would the hospital allow this?
- If you're considering a post-mortem, perhaps explore with the hospital what the process is and how long you may have to wait for the results to come back.
Registering your babies' deaths
We have information to support you with registering your babies' deaths as well as Twins Trust certificates of birth, which have been designed for our baby loss community.
Planning a funeral
We have information and support on the practicalities of planning a funeral for your babies.
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