Questions and Answers

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You should feel welcome to do a service and/or burial for whatever gestation or age your baby was. 

In the state of Ohio it is required to enlist the services of a funeral home AFTER 20 weeks of gestation. Less than 20 weeks may use a cemetery transport directly to the cemetery, or the parents may choose to transport the baby themselves for burial. 

Some pregnancies may end so early that no physical remains can be preserved. It is still appropriate if you wish to do so, to name your baby, have a service said for your baby or even have a memorial place in a cemetery. Many parents find comfort in a special place to go and pray.

I do not think you ever get over the loss of your baby. This is your child. You will find yourself going through many phases of grief. Your heart will always long for that baby. Be patient with yourself and if needed seek the assistance of a counselor  trained in grief. 

Allow your children to grieve with you. Offer them loving support and reassurance. Sometimes including them in the process helps them to process the grief.. If they can write, have them write a letter to the baby, or draw a picture for the baby. Or give them a teddy bear in memory of this special baby. This gives your children something to hold on to.