If you are here because you are facing the imminent stillbirth of your baby, we are so sorry. Facing the labour and delivery of a baby who has passed away can feel frightening and impossible - this is not a topic covered in the baby books or in pre-natal classes.
When your baby arrives, your time with them is limited. Below are important considerations and acts that parents can participate in to create memory-making rituals with their baby. You can say yes or no to any of these options. This is your baby, and you have the right to choose how you will create meaning and memories around their birth.
Local supports that you can request:
Time Away From Work After the Loss of Your Baby
"After a loss it can be incredibly challenging for parents to access resources that support their ability to cope and grieve, which include employment leave entitlements. Struggling to understand eligibility requirements and requesting time away from work during the early days of an acute grief reaction can be extremely difficult." - PAIL Network
If your pregnancy ends before 20 weeks, you may receive sickness benefits. If your pregnancy ends after 20 weeks, you may receive maternity benefits. (EI) sickness/maternity benefits can provide you with up to 15 weeks of financial assistance if you cannot work for medical reasons. You could receive 55% of your earnings up to a maximum of $595 a week. Learn more here.
If you have an extended health benefits plan through your employer or your partners employer, check to see if any further benefits are covered. Parents may be eligible for time off (with or without pay) based on their employer’s policies, which may include sick time, short-term disability (STD), and long-term disability (LTD). Employers might also decide to provide parents with time off due to unforeseen or exceptional circumstances, which may not be fully represented within their existing policies.
Parents are encouraged to contact their HR representative or a Social Worker to help them explore these options.
When your baby arrives, your time with them is limited. Below are important considerations and acts that parents can participate in to create memory-making rituals with their baby. You can say yes or no to any of these options. This is your baby, and you have the right to choose how you will create meaning and memories around their birth.
Local supports that you can request:
- A photographer from Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep or their retouching service if no photographer is available
- A Benjamin Box
- A gown from BC Angel Dresses
- Support from fellow families in Empty Arms or a Bereavement/Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula
Time Away From Work After the Loss of Your Baby
"After a loss it can be incredibly challenging for parents to access resources that support their ability to cope and grieve, which include employment leave entitlements. Struggling to understand eligibility requirements and requesting time away from work during the early days of an acute grief reaction can be extremely difficult." - PAIL Network
If your pregnancy ends before 20 weeks, you may receive sickness benefits. If your pregnancy ends after 20 weeks, you may receive maternity benefits. (EI) sickness/maternity benefits can provide you with up to 15 weeks of financial assistance if you cannot work for medical reasons. You could receive 55% of your earnings up to a maximum of $595 a week. Learn more here.
If you have an extended health benefits plan through your employer or your partners employer, check to see if any further benefits are covered. Parents may be eligible for time off (with or without pay) based on their employer’s policies, which may include sick time, short-term disability (STD), and long-term disability (LTD). Employers might also decide to provide parents with time off due to unforeseen or exceptional circumstances, which may not be fully represented within their existing policies.
Parents are encouraged to contact their HR representative or a Social Worker to help them explore these options.