What Do You Say
What do you say when a baby dies and someone says ......
"At least you didn't bring it home."
What do you say when a baby is stillborn and someone says .....
"At least it never lived".
What do you say when a mother of three says....
"Think of all the time you'll have."
What do you say when so many say .....
"You can always have another...."
"At least you never knew it...."
"You have your whole life ahead of you..."
"You have an angel in heaven..."
What do you say when someone says .... nothing?
What do you say when someone says "I'm sorry".
You say, with grateful tears and warm embrace.
"Thank you!"
by Kathie Mayo
Some women who have lost a baby through stillbirth, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, neonatal death, or a fetal abnormality, find it difficult to hear the statements expressed above. This is because it gives the bereaved mother the message that she is not allowed to grieve in the way that she wants to. The bottom line is, that she wants the baby she has lost, and by saying some of these things to a woman who has lost a baby, is not helpful, Nothing you can do will make it better. It is what it is.
I think it is important to show some sensitivity and that you care. It could be that you are just there, and don't say anything. A touch. Sometimes saying I am sorry gives the bereaved mother the message that it is okay to grieve.Saying sorry doesn't work for everyone as many people tell me during bereavement counselling that they hate hearing that, and don't want to be pitied, or see the sympathy face from people. There are others who find it difficult when close friends or colleagues never said sorry for your loss.
Related article: How to help your friend through baby loss by Aimee Foster
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