How do I support a grieving friend?
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It means a lot to the whole baby-loss community that you have sought out or are reading this site as a supporter of someone who has experienced a stillbirth. In this day in age, with medical advancements and a wealth of resources, it is almost unfathomable that a baby dies before, during or shortly after birth, yet, it does happen. In the United States, stillbirth occurs in one in every 160 births. It is tempting to shy away from a parent who has recently lost a child, but a solid circle of support is often the defining factor in whether a parent processes their grief "positively" or "negatively". It is hard to hear a loss-parent's sad story over and over again, and it is hard to continue to be there when watching your friend fall into the depths of grief is so very disheartening. No matter how hard being a supporter feels, it is far harder to survive after the death of your own child. Thank you for supporting your friend. Please continue to give them the support that they need as the days, weeks, and months change their grief.
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