Sydney Coffins is so sorry for your loss. We understand this was not a ‘lost pregnancy’ or a ‘stillborn’, but your baby. A human being.

Going through a miscarriage is such a difficult time for a person to go through and having to choose memorial products is the last thing you will want to do. We hope this article can assist you by providing the options in planning a funeral for a stillborn. Sydney Coffins is a memorial product and funeral provider in Australia, specialising in unique and personalised coffins, caskets and funerals. View stillborn coffins here.

Australian states have different laws in relation to stillbirths. Generally, most Australian states will register the birth of a baby who has died if for a baby who is at 20 weeks of gestation or more and or has shown signs of life at birth. This documentation will be used by the funeral home in order to arrange a funeral.

Does a stillborn baby need a funeral?

Yes, NSW has a legislative requirement to hold a funeral for a baby born at or more than 20 weeks of gestation. Depending on where the baby was born the service can be held in the hospital or a private funeral arranged. The funeral can be a burial or cremation funeral. It can be a quiet and private funeral or one gathered with others. It is entirely up to you.

Does a stillborn baby need a coffin?

Yes, in Australia a stillborn requires a coffin. View stillborn coffins here.

I want to have a funeral but l have no idea what a funeral for a stillborn should be like. Any ideas?

Arranging a funeral can offer the support and opportunity to grieve and celebrate the life of a baby. As hard as it appears to be a funeral can be a very beneficial time for a parent or parents to cope with their great loss.

You may find our article ‘Baby Funerals – Options in Arranging a Funeral For A Baby‘ helpful to read.

The following ideas have been used in funeral services and they can have great comfort. 

Display:
-Photographs of your baby on the coffin
-Moulding of baby hand or foot displayed
– Messages

Objects to include in/on coffin
– Blanket
– Toy
– Sentimental object which reminded you of the baby
– Write words, poem onto the coffin
– Include letters inside the coffin

Readings:
– Poems
– Biblical verse
– Your own words

Actions:
– Light candles
– Release balloons
– Release butterflies
– Have certain songs sung during the funeral
– Memorial book – Have family and friends write messages inside the memorial book.