The

 

 

 

Angels

 

Home

About us

Angels
Contact Us

Events

Helpful Contact Numbers

In the News

Legal & Official Documentation

Links
Media Articles

Neonatal ICU (NICU)

Parent Stories

Products
Projects
Sponsors & Donations
Support

Testimonials

The Premature Baby

Things to Help!

This section is delicate to our little angels who did not survive the outside world,

they however touched many life's and we are proud to share their stories with you.

Ben Albertyn 

(Tertia Albertyn released a book detailing her journey and loss - please view her web site - www.tertia.org)

 

Donita de Villiers

A Loss For Words
Helping Parents Who Have Lost a Multiple

by Amy E. Tracy

 If you work with preemie families or belong to a multiples support group, chances are you’ll someday encounter parents who have lost a twin, triplet or other multiple. As someone who understands the crisis of premature birth, or the magic of multiple babies, you’ll want to help. But you may not know how. Based on suggestions from grieving parents and experts in parental grief, here are some suggestions:

bulletAcknowledge the parents’ loss. When a multiple dies, parents not only lose a child, but the unique opportunity to raise twins, triplets or more. Recognize this loss. Some good things to say: "I’m sorry," or "I’m here and I want to listen." If parents named the baby, use the name. Even though one child is missing, parents often consider themselves fathers or mothers of the original set; refer to the survivors as the original number ("triplets," even if two survived).
bulletFind helpful resources. Locate bereavement support groups and literature for parents who probably don’t have the energy to seek help. 
bulletGive a gift. When giving a new-baby present, take along a gift that acknowledges the loss. Thoughtful ideas include a figurine of animals or children that affirms parenthood of all the babies, a memorial tree for planting, or a donation to a bereaved parents’ group.
bulletThink before you speak. Though perhaps well intentioned, avoid making comments that could cause painful feelings, such as: "At least you have another baby," or "It would have been too hard to raise quadruplets anyway."
bulletRemember the baby. Send a card, small gift or call on holidays and anniversaries of the baby’s birth and death.

Resource:  http://www.preemieparents.com/

 

All rights reserved.  Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Preemies for Africa is prohibited.  By using this website you agree to our disclaimer. 

Last updated:  19 October 2009 14:07