Whether you’re the parent who carried a baby who has died or not, the experience of losing a little one is no less devastating.

We know that the needs of dads and partners are often overlooked. There is no right or wrong way through grief, but it’s important to find something that works for you.

As a partner, you might be expected to take the lead role in telling family and friends, liaising with health professionals, making funeral arrangements and supporting the baby’s birth mother. This can feel overwhelming, particularly when you’re also grieving for your baby.

Here are some tips from various charities and organisations about how partners can take care of themselves after the loss of a baby…

• It’s important to accept your need to mourn and express your grief. Remember that as you grieve, you are healing. Take one day at a time and trust the process.
• If you are comfortable speaking to others, it can be good to talk or message close friends and people who understand what you are going through.
• When you’re ready, you could take on a challenge that could be linked to fundraising for a cause that’s important to you, in your baby’s memory. 

There are so many amazing charitable organisations and resources that you can reach out to. Here are just a few…

• UK-based charity Tommy’s has set up a campaign to develop a hub for dads and partners, including fathers and mothers in same sex relationships, to provide specialist support.
• Take a look at The Lullaby Trust, it offers advice and support for bereaved fathers, partners and co-parents. You can call one of the trust’s Befrienders on their Freephone support line 0808 802 6868, 6-10pm on weekends and public holidays.
• Listen to the Still Parents podcast. It’s dedicated to telling the stories of dads and grandads who have experienced the loss of a baby. It aims to break down the barriers and unite those who are suffering, whilst talking about emotions and experiences, support and gathering strength.
• Sands United FC is a unique way for dads and other bereaved family members to come together through a shared love of sport and find a support network where they can feel at ease talking about their grief when they're ready.
• Baby loss counselling charity Petals has supported many men over the years, and recently has partnered with the Dads Still Standing podcast for dads (and families) to show a bereaved father's perspective and provide the tools to help them on their journey with grief.
• Sometimes parents, family members and friends who have gone through pregnancy loss, or whose baby has died find it beneficial to write about their experience as a cathartic way of honestly expressing how they feel. If you would like to, you can share your story on the Baby Loss Awareness website.

Follow Baby Loss Awareness Week on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to learn more, and to donate, follow this link.