Red Nose
When a baby or child dies
There are some losses that are difficult to put into words.
The death of a baby or child can turn the world upside down. Whether the death happened during pregnancy, shortly after birth, or later in childhood, the grief can be overwhelming.
There isn’t a right way to feel.
You might feel devastated, angry, numb, lost, exhausted, or all of those things at different times. You might want to talk about your child constantly, or you might not be ready to talk at all.
Red Nose Australia provides specialist grief and loss support for anyone affected by the death of a baby or child.
Who can Red Nose support?
Red Nose supports bereaved parents, families and friends, as well as other people affected by the death of a baby or child.
That can include siblings, grandparents, relatives, friends, colleagues and others whose lives have been changed by the loss.
You don’t have to be the parent to seek support.
Red Nose also recognises that grief is shaped by culture, community and circumstances. Its resources include support for diverse families, including First Nations, refugee and migrant communities, rural and remote families, and young parents.
Someone to talk to
Red Nose has a 24/7 Grief and Loss Support Line on 1300 308 307.
You can call at any time, day or night.
If you aren’t sure what support you need, that’s okay. The service can listen, talk things through with you and help connect you with the support that’s right for your circumstances.
Interpreter services are also available.
Counselling and other support
Red Nose provides specialist bereavement support that can include:
- counselling
- peer support
- support groups
- information and resources
- support for family and friends
There are options for both online and face-to-face support.
Support groups can provide something that is sometimes hard to find elsewhere: the company of people who understand what it is like to lose a baby or child.
You don’t have to explain everything to someone who has already been there.
Online support
If picking up the phone feels like too much, Red Nose also offers live online grief support.
Live Chat connects you with a Red Nose peer supporter who can listen, offer support and help you find other services if you need them. You can remain anonymous if you choose.
Live Chat is available during set hours, while the 24/7 Support Line is available at any time.
You can ask for help for someone else
Sometimes the person grieving isn’t you.
You may be a friend, family member, colleague or professional trying to support someone whose baby or child has died.
It can be hard to know what to say or what to do.
Red Nose has resources specifically for people supporting bereaved families. You can also contact the service yourself if you need guidance about how to help.
And remember that your own grief matters too.
You don’t have to be ready
There is no timetable for grief.
You don’t have to feel ready to talk. You don’t have to know what you need. And you don’t have to decide how you’re going to cope with the rest of your life.
Sometimes the next step is simply finding someone who will listen.
Red Nose is there specifically for people affected by the death of a baby or child.
A place to start
If this is your experience, we’re sorry.
There isn’t much anyone can say that makes the death of a baby or child okay. But you don’t have to carry all of it without support.
You can call Red Nose on 1300 308 307, any time of day or night, or visit their website to explore the support available.
Take it one step at a time.
This page is provided by Rest as a starting point, not as a substitute for professional or crisis support. Services and operating hours can change, so check Red Nose’s current information before relying on a particular service.