If you are bereaved 

When a baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly, the death is a terrible shock and can be one of the most distressing events that can ever happen.  If you are reading this page because you have experienced the death of a baby we offer you our sympathy, and suggest that this site contains a number of pages that you might find helpful; some you may want to read now, and others you may wish to return to later. 

If you would like to find out more but would rather speak to someone, you can telephone one of our Helpline advisors on 0808 802 6868 or email. The Helpline is answered personally by specially trained advisors from 10am to 6pm on Monday to Friday and from 6pm to 11pm every day by trained bereaved parent befrienders.  The information you give will be kept confidential.

Our booklet, When a baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly, can be very helpful for the whole family to read, especially in the bewildering early days after such a devastating event.  This booklet explains what happens after a sudden and unexpected death, and answers some of the questions families frequently ask.  It contains chapters on:

  1. Questions families ask
  2. What happens immediately after an unexpected death
    - The role of the coroner
    - Seeing your baby after the post mortem examination
    - Keepsakes
    - Funeral arrangements
    - Financial arrangements
  3. Grieving
    - Needs and feelings of mothers and fathers
    - The baby's brothers and sisters
    - Grandparents and other family members
    - If someone else's baby dies in your care
  4. How to find support
    - How FSID can help
  5. How to give support
  6. Having another baby

For your free copy call the Helpline on 0808 802 6868 or email helpline@fsid.org.uk