Last week marked Baby Loss Awareness Week, a time dedicated to remembering babies lost in pregnancy, at birth, or shortly after, while also recognising the unique grief that parents and families endure. For those who have experienced such a profound loss, the world can feel very different especially when they need to return to work, a place where expectations and routine often remain unchanged. The challenge lies not only in managing grief but also in navigating a work environment that may not fully understand the depths of their sorrow.
If you are a colleague, manager, or friend of someone who has experienced the heartbreaking loss of a baby, you might be unsure how to offer your support. Here are 10 gentle and practical ways to help a colleague returning to work:
- Offer Compassionate Presence
One of the most powerful things you can do is simply be present. Your colleague might feel isolated, as if they are the only ones going through this unimaginable grief. Offering a listening ear can be a lifeline. Remember, it’s not about finding the right words but about being there without judgment. Statements like, “I’m so sorry for your loss,” or “I’m here if you want to talk,” can make a difference. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words, don’t underestimate the power of a quiet cup of coffee together.
- Respect Their Pace and Boundaries
Grief doesn’t have a timeline, and everyone processes it differently. Some might need time away from work; others might want the distraction of returning to a familiar routine. Respect their choices, and don’t rush them to “move on.” Similarly, avoid asking intrusive questions about the details of their loss unless they choose to share. Respecting privacy is crucial. It’s okay to let them take the lead on how much or how little they want to discuss.
- Provide Flexible Support Options
Offer flexibility wherever possible. This could mean giving them extra time off, reduced hours, or more manageable responsibilities temporarily. Let them know it’s okay to take breaks if the day becomes overwhelming. If your workplace has policies for compassionate leave, ensure they’re aware of these options. Offering a supportive environment can ease the pressure they might feel to “keep it all together.”
- Be Mindful of Your Language
Words matter, and while they’re often well-intentioned, they can sometimes cause pain. Avoid phrases like “At least you can try again” or “Everything happens for a reason.” These statements, while meant to comfort, can inadvertently minimise the depth of their loss. Instead, acknowledge their grief without trying to fix it. Saying, “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I’m here for you,” shows understanding and empathy.
- Check In, Even After Time Has Passed
Grief doesn’t vanish after a few weeks, and many parents feel the absence of their baby long after others have stopped asking. Make a note to check in periodically, even months down the line. Remember important dates, such as the baby’s due date or the anniversary of the loss, if your colleague has shared them. A simple “I’m thinking of you today” can be incredibly meaningful.
- Create a Safe Space for Grieving
Encourage a workplace culture that allows for vulnerability. Grief is not linear it has ups and downs, good days and bad. Your colleague may have moments where they struggle with concentration, need a moment of solitude, or even shed a tear at their desk. Normalise that grief is a part of life and doesn’t need to be hidden away. If you are a manager, ensure your team knows it’s okay to have emotions and that there’s no shame in expressing them.
- Offer Practical Help
In the early days, practical support can be invaluable. Consider offering to handle some of their workload or administrative tasks if possible. Simple gestures, like sending a meal delivery or a care package, can show that you’re thinking of them. If they’re organizing a memorial or participating in events related to their loss, offering to contribute or attend can be a meaningful way to show your support.
- Respect Their Way of Remembering
Many parents who lose a baby find comfort in keeping their memory alive, whether through a keepsake, a ritual, or participating in awareness events. Support their chosen way of remembering without judgment. If they share a story or bring up their baby’s name, listen with compassion. Acknowledging that their child existed can validate their grief and reinforce that their baby’s life, however brief, mattered.
- Educate Yourself and Others
Understanding baby loss can make a big difference in how you support someone. Take the time to educate yourself about the different types of baby loss including miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death so you have a better grasp of what your colleague might be experiencing. Consider sharing resources or suggesting your workplace brings in an expert to offer a short session on grief support. This not only helps in supporting the grieving colleague but also fosters a more compassionate and understanding workplace culture.
- Remember: It’s About Them, Not You
Your colleague’s grief journey is about them, their experience, and their baby. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable or helpless but avoid sharing your feelings. Resist the urge to compare their loss to your own experiences or offer solutions to make things “better.” Instead, focus on validating their feelings and being there in whatever capacity they need. Your role is to support, not to have all the answers.
Supporting Men
It’s important to remember that baby loss affects both parents, and men are often grieving deeply, even if they don’t always express it outwardly. Society can sometimes overlook the emotional impact on fathers, assuming they need to be “strong” or “hold it together.” This can lead to their grief being minimised or ignored. Men, too, may experience profound sadness, confusion, guilt, or a sense of helplessness, and they deserve the same understanding and support. Offering a listening ear, validating their emotions, and allowing them space to grieve in their own way is essential. Encouraging open conversations and checking in with them, just as you would with a grieving mother, can make a significant difference. It’s crucial to create a workplace culture where men feel safe to share their grief without judgment, reminding them that their feelings are valid and that they don’t have to carry the weight alone.
Supporting Each Other Through Unimaginable Loss
Baby Loss Awareness Week reminds us that we need to be more open about grief, loss, and the many ways people experience it. It’s a call to be kinder, gentler, and more understanding toward those whose lives have been touched by such an overwhelming sorrow.
Let’s carry the spirit of Baby Loss Awareness Week throughout the year and continue to foster environments where grief is met with kindness, dignity, and compassion.
Places that can offer support and guidance are:
www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
There may be more localised support available too so it’s important to research support available in your area.