The
Touched by Nathan FoundationFrequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I help a family whose baby has
died?
A: When a baby dies, it is important to
realize that the family has lost a lifetime of hopes, dreams, and
milestones. These missing
milestones will occur for what would have been the child’s entire life –
everything from first steps and words to getting married and having
children themselves.
DO:
Baby sit other
siblings
Clean their house
Make them dinner
Grocery shop for
them
Have a shoulder
ready for them
Talk with the family
about the baby, using the baby’s name – you will not be reminding them
of anything they are not already thinking about
Remember the baby’s
birth date, due date, etc.
Be patient with them,
the initial grieving process can take years to complete.
As much as you want their hurt to go away, you can’t make it
stop, but you can comfort them
during this time
Cry with them, pray
with them, make time for them – they will need you
Above all, ASK what you can do
DO NOT
Tell them that it
was “for the best”
Tell them that it
was “God’s Plan.” This may become
an issue for them later, and some may struggle with their faith
Assume that
everything will be fine once they have another baby – another baby
cannot replace the one who died
Avoid them because you do not know what to say – DO tell them how sorry you are and ask if there is anything you can do to help them
Q: How do I help a family with a fragile
baby?
A: When a family has a baby with medical problems, it is important to
realize that their dream of the normal, happy birth of their child is no
longer a reality. The family may even grieve the “loss” of having that
experience with their child. If the baby is born with health issues,
there will be stress involved. If the baby has problems that will last
a lifetime, there will be more grief involved.
Be ready to:
Baby sit other siblings
Clean their house
Make them dinner
Grocery shop for them
Have a shoulder ready for them
Above all, ASK what you can doQ: What does Touched by Nathan provide?
A: An Inspirational Library to help families learn about their baby’s condition to offer them hope and comfort.
A Travel Program to help with transportation costs and car beds for fragile infants
Some medical equipment to take home with baby when it is prescribed by the doctor
Individual needs - some assistance is provided on an individual need basis
Food vouchers and overnight roomsSome Funeral expenses
Memory boxes