Stillbirth

Understanding Stillbirth

Stillbirth is defined as the tragic loss of a baby from 20 weeks gestation or 400g of body weight, if gestation is unknown.

Approximately six babies are stillborn in Australia each day. Sometimes the cause is identified afterward but, in some cases, the death remains unexplained.

Stillbirth rates have not reduced in Australia over the past two decades. However, emerging evidence is contributing to new public health campaigns such as #SleepOnSide which encourages women to go to sleep on their side from 28 weeks gestation.

For more information on this initiative please visit: Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence

In the immediate aftermath of the loss, parents face decisions about whether or not to spend time with their baby, autopsies, funeral services, mementos and keepsakes which can seem overwhelming. Midwives, doctors and hospital social workers provide support and guidance with these decisions.

When this occurs the birth and the death of the baby must be registered, and the hospital will assist with this. This sometimes comes as a shock for bereaved parents. There is often paperwork to complete in relation to Centrelink payments and parental leave. Financial concerns and decisions about one partner returning to work may arise. These can all be extremely hard to deal with after such a shocking and traumatic bereavement.

Grief and trauma responses from parents can be varied and complex. It is not unusual for partners to find themselves experiencing their grief differently from each other.

However, this does not mean that any one way is right or wrong. Professional counselling can help couples if they feel their relationship is under strain. Parents may also struggle to explain what is happening to other children or even their friends or workplace and are encouraged to seek professional support with this as well as for themselves.

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Gidget Angel Stories

Some of our Gidget Angels have experienced stillbirth and kindly share their stories:

• Click here to read Amanda’s story‍
• Click here to read Jodie’s story.
• Click here to read Jade's story.
• Click here to read Annabel's story.

Date of Last Review: April 2021