Do you know a family who has experienced the tragedy of losing an infant? Can you imagine the stress that places on the child’s parents? The trauma of losing a child can impact a couple long after the conclusion of the service at the funeral chapel.

Bereaved parents are at higher risk for things like symptoms of depression, anxiety, and prolonged grief. Can you see the relationship between the loss of an infant and the impact on a relationship?

If you want to learn more about the loss of an infant, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services who explains how it affects couples and how you can help.

Losing a child is one of the most heart-wrenching things a parent can experience. This interview is an opportunity to learn advice to help get through the situation from multiple perspectives.

The Timeline for Visual Reminders

The episode begins with Valerie discussing some ways couples can cope when telling friends and community that they have experienced a loss.

Next Valerie compares losing a child during pregnancy before telling friends and family to how things may differ to losing a child after sharing the big news with loved ones.

The death of a child is incomparable. If you’re grieving this type of loss, reach out to Valerie at Martin Brothers in Vancouver, as she is happy to talk with you over the phone or at the funeral chapel.

Understanding What the Bereaved Parents Experience

Then Valerie explains things parents can expect to experience after losing a child. During the episode she also discusses answers to questions like:

- Is it okay to reach out to a grieving parent on social media?
- What can a new mom expect to experience after the loss of an infant?
- How can the dad grieve while understanding his partner’s feelings?

Now ask yourself these two questions: Do you want help knowing how to respond to a couple after the loss of an infant? Do you want to advice for coping if you’re a parent in this situation? If you answered “yes” to either or both questions, then the information in this podcast may help.

Suggestions for Recognizing this Life Event

Next Valerie gives an overview of how to mark this life event to honor the memory of the littlest loved ones lost.

Valerie shares some of the questions she hears from grieving parents at the funeral chapel in Vancouver as well as the answers and advice she offers when responding to them.

Losing an unborn child can bring up feelings of grief just as if the baby had passed away after childbirth. It’s important to recognize and work through all types of grief we feel after a loss.

The episode concludes with Valerie sharing some final thoughts on the loss of an infant and how it might impact the relationship of the couple.

Do You Have Thoughts to Share?

Is this a topic that resonates with something your family has experienced? Do you have questions that weren’t answered during the episode? Use the comments below to share your thoughts and we’ll be happy to discuss them with you.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1