How to support parents who have lost a baby? And what phrases should you avoid? Adriana Kábová writes for Maminka.cz
In the Czech Republic, the topic of death is often swept under the rug, and the death of an infant is almost doubly taboo. But for many parents, it's a harsh reality. The following tips are based on the experiences of funeral guides, and especially on the recommendations of many parents who have experienced the death of a baby and have encountered various reactions from those around them. Some reactions were very helpful, while others rubbed salt into the wound. Keep in mind that everyone experiences the loss of a child differently, and the points mentioned below are not a completely universal guide.
But you won't mess anything up by talking to the parents honestly and asking them what they find pleasant and what they don't. They will surely appreciate that more than if you were to remain completely silent about the death of their baby or even start avoiding them. It is also important to mention that each parent probably grieves differently, and it is possible that different things from you will help the mother and different things the father of the baby. And don't be afraid of their emotions and tears, they are often the main healing path to healing the rawest grief.