SANDS Booklets & Pamphlets

SANDS currently has three booklets available for parents -

"Saying Goodbye Before You've Said Hello."

This booklet was written for parents who experience the death of their baby in early pregnancy - from conception to 19 weeks gestation. There are relevant excerpts on a variety of subjects including the causes of miscarriage, medical terminology, and emotional impact. The booklet also contains suggestions for memory creation.

"For parents who are looking forward to an uneventful pregnancy and the birth of their baby - miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, blighted ovum, hydatiform mole or molar pregnancy and any other early pregnancy loss can bring to an end the dreams and hopes you held for your future and the future of your baby."

"From Us to You When Your Baby has died."

This booklet is suitable for parents who experience the death of their baby from 20 weeks gestation to the neonatal period. The booklet covers a number of topics including memory creation, post mortem, funerals, and your grief journey.

"Few people are prepared for the intensity and duration of grief that follows the tragedy of the death of their baby. Bereaved parents can experience a variety of emotions that they may never have felt before and you can find this a very confusing and painfully time and may feel overwhelmed."

"Special Memories of............... a very special baby"

This booklet was designed to allow parents a place to put their special memories - handprint and footprint, lock of hair, photos, date of birth and death, and special memories.

You can obtain these booklets by contacting the SANDS office.

SANDS currently has the following pamphlets available -

For Teachers and Carers of Children 0-6 Years Who Experience the Death of a Sibling Through Miscarriage, Interruption of pregnancy, Stillbirth, Neonatal Death and Other Reproductive Losses.

Written by medical students in consultation with child carers, teachers, and bereaved parents and children, this pamphlet provides guidance for giving support. It explains what a teacher/carer needs to ask the parents, how to talk to the parent, how to support the child, and dealing with classmates. It also describes young children’s understanding of death, and provides a list of resources and books.

For Teachers and Carers of Children 5-12 Years Who Experience the Death of a Sibling Through Miscarriage, Interruption of pregnancy, Stillbirth, Neonatal Death and Other Reproductive Losses.

This pamphlet gives advice on approaching the parent after a loss, and explains how children react to the death of their baby brother or sister according to their age group. It provides advice on supporting the child through grief in the classroom context, and gives a list of further resources and books.

For Grandparents When a Baby Dies Through Miscarriage, Interruption of Pregnancy, Stillbirth, Neonatal Death and Other Reproductive Losses.

When grandparents lose a grandchild, they cry twice: once for their own loss and once for the loss suffered by their own child. This pamphlet offers suggestions for grandparents as they cope with their own grief and as they support their child.

Decisions When Your Baby is Diagnosed With an Abnormality.

Containing information to assist parents in their decision-making, this brochure does not set out to influence any decision parents need to make regarding their baby or themselves. It discusses coming to a decision, the reactions of others, continuing or interrupting the pregnancy, and funerals and grief should the decision be made to interrupt the pregnancy.

A Father’s Grief.

Written by men for men, this pamphlet discusses men’s grief, and how they can best cope while also supporting their partner and other children. It offers suggestions on how fathers can look after themselves, and contains information on support meetings and other services for grieving fathers.

For Couples When Your Baby Has Died.

Written by bereaved parents, this pamphlet offers suggestions on maintaining open communication and avoiding conflict during this difficult time. It speaks to both the mother and the father, and discusses issues with intimacy and grief within a relationship.

Family and Friends When a Baby Dies.

This pamphlet is designed to help family and friends of bereaved parents understand what the grieving mother and father are going through, and how best to understand them. It offers many helpful “Do’s and Don’ts” to help people provide the best support to bereaved parents.

A New Pregnancy After a Baby Has Died.

Many parents have found that a new pregnancy and a new baby will often bring a renewal of grief that exists along with the joy of the new life. This pamphlet offers suggestions for parents to help get through the next very long nine months.

Obtaining Parental Consent for the Autopsy of a Baby Who Has Died.

This brochure gives guidance to health care professionals who need to ask parents this difficult question. The brochure contains practical suggestions from the view point of a bereaved parent.

The Post Mortem Examination- information for parents

Different parents require varying degrees of information to allow them to make an informed decision regarding the autopsy of their baby. This brochure gives basic information and directs parents to seek further information should they require it.

Special Memories of Babies Who Died Some Years Ago.

It has only been in recent years that parents have been openly encouraged to mourn the death of their baby. This brochure assists parents whose baby died prior to this time. The brochure contains suggestions for memory creation.

Funerals and Rites for Your Baby Who Has Died.

This is an important resource for parents to assist them in planning a meaningful goodbye for their baby. The brochure contains some information about practices; choices and legal requirements.

When a Baby Dies in a Multiple Pregnancy.

Special understanding for parents who experience the death of one or more babies in a multiple pregnancy.

Your Other Children When a Baby Has Died

Children require clear explanations that are appropriate to their age – particularly with a subject as sensitive as the death of their sibling. This would also be appropriate for extended family members and friends to read.