Acknowledging your baby’s life, no matter how brief, is an important part of grieving. You may decide to arrange a ceremony to share your grief and loss with others; this could be an intimate gathering at a place significant to you or in a more formal setting, in a chapel or church.
Spend time with your baby
In almost all situations it is possible for parents to spend time with their baby prior to the funeral, to hold and care for them, involve siblings, to take photographs and to say goodbye.
Legal requirements
If your baby was born at 20 weeks or more, or weighed at least 400 grams, or took a breath after the birth, you are legally required to have him or her cremated or buried in a cemetery.
Should you choose cremation, you may keep the ashes at home, scatter them somewhere special to you or inter them in the place set aside for children’s ashes at the cemetery.
Babies born before 20 weeks can be buried wherever you wish, in a cemetery or in the garden at home.
Grief support in Wellington
Grieving is an exhausting process, take care of yourself and seek support from specialist services that provide support, counselling and resources in the Wellington region.
SANDS NZ – a voluntary, parent-run, non-profit organisation set up to support parents and families who have experienced the death of a baby.
Skylight – is based in Newtown and offers a range of services for all age groups to support those affected by life changes; loss, trauma or grief.
Supporting Families New Zealand – has useful links to Grief support services in New Zealand.
Financial assistance with funeral expenses
You may be eligible for a means tested funeral grant from Work and Income to assist with the costs of a funeral.
