A funeral or some other way of saying goodbye may be a very important part of coming to terms with your loss, however early it happens.

If your baby dies after 24 weeks of pregnancy, you will need to register the birth (even if he or she was stillborn) with the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths. The hospital will offer to arrange a funeral, burial or cremation free of charge, or you may choose to organise this yourself. The hospital chaplain will be able to help you.

Some hospitals may arrange a regular service of remembrance for all babies who die in pregnancy, at birth or in infancy. Again, you can choose whether or not you wish to attend.

Many parents are surprised at how much and for how long they grieve after losing a baby. Friends and acquaintances often don't know what to say or how to offer support, and they may expect you to get back to 'normal' long before that's possible. Sands and The Miscarriage Association can put you in touch with people who have been through similar experiences and can offer support and information.