The grief no parent expects

At some point in life, we all lose someone we love. But losing a baby is an unimaginable heartbreak. Our children are not meant to die before us.

In the wake of that loss, families are left reeling. Navigating shock, confusion, and overwhelming grief as they face a future without a much-loved child.

Yumi Stynes meets two women who have experienced infant loss. They share how they moved through their grief, how they celebrate their babies, and how people in their life stepped up- or stepped away.

And registered psychologist, Rachel Ficinus explains how grief can be ongoing and the strategies to help you and your loved ones navigate a life-changing loss.

If you need help:

• Red Nose Australia offers counselling and support for families who have lost infants.
• Lifeline on 131 114
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 

This episode will answer questions like:

• How do I deal with grief when a loved one dies?
• Who can I talk to when my child dies?
• What should I say to someone who's child has died?
• How can I help someone who's grieving?
• Where can I find support after I lose my child?
• Does grief have an end point?

What to listen to next:

How to deal with an empty nest — ABC listen

Jess Mauboy steps into her boss lady era — ABC listen

What to read next:

Empty-nesters on how they 'fill the void' left by children

Why these women have never had a partner

This episode contains references to grief, child loss, infant death, bereavement and Red Nose Australia, organ donation, DonateLife.