midwivesonline.com and healthvisitors.com is indebted to PAULINE and to the group of bereaved parents who contributed their stories for this very sensitive parent guide for all parents who have experienced bereavement during pregnancy, birth or following the birth of their little one. Pauline herself experienced the loss of her daughter Frankie, born at 28 weeks gestation. Together and through this article, they have made an incredible difference in helping other parents facing similar loss.

We're so very sorry for your loss. Only people who've lost a baby will understand just how devastating the loss of your precious baby is.

We've all lost babies so we've written this section in the hope that, by sharing our thoughts, we can help you with the coming days, with the things that others may not know and the things they've never even had to consider.

When you're ready, support is out there. We use the message boards at www.ivillage.co.uk (under "Support Groups" then "Late Loss & Neonatal Death Support") or http://groups.msn.com/babylosssupportgroup. Right now, please remember that, where your baby is concerned, anything that you want to do is OK. Anything that you don't want to do is also OK.

This might be different to your partner, but that doesn't matter, there's no right or wrong. You are your baby's parents and only you know what is best for you and your baby.

Go with your feelings, follow your instincts, this is your baby and this time together is so special.

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