Specialised Care after the Loss of a Baby or Child

Baby Memories

The death of a baby or child is one of the most devastating losses anyone will experience. The ripple effect reaches out to encompass parents, siblings and grandparents, all of whom will have special needs at this time. Olsens endeavours to meet these needs, firstly with the service, then with on-going support.

Olsens has become a leader in organising meaningful services for babies and children. This has been achieved by on-going consultation with the maternity wards of hospitals regarding procedures for creating memories of baby and with consideration for the on-going emotional care of the parents. We also work with community and hospital social workers, ascertaining special needs to develop lasting memories of the child who has died.

We are especially aware that in the case of a stillbirth, the lost baby is often considered a non-identity, having never drawn breath, yet to its mother that baby had many personality traits known only to her.

Olsens can provide you with a specialized, very personal, Baby Memories service to acknowledge and commemorate the loss of your baby or child.

A service for babies lost during early pregnancy is available under our Baby Memories – Losing a Baby in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The loss of your little one also represents the loss of a future teenager and adult. Family members and friends will all be influenced by your child’s death and a funeral service can help you and your family to accept the reality of bereavement.

What is the Baby Memories service?

• We provide for the transfer of your child from hospital or home into our care
• Arrangements for the service are managed by a member of our caring and experienced female staff
• We will obtain all the relevant details and certificates required for a burial or cremation
• We will meet with you to discuss options as to when and where the service can be held
• We can consult with your chosen clergy or introduce you to one who can assist and support you through the service
• We can arrange flowers, music and anything else you might like to include to make the service more meaningful for you
• When a service is required for a small group of between two to ten people, we are able to transform our Lounge into an intimate chapel for the service. Our chapels can be decorated with balloons, toys or any other items that are significant to your family
• We also provide a Naming Certificate for babies and a Remembrance Candle
• We service all cemeteries and crematoria Olsens has the experience, compassion and commitment to care for your child and we are available to make arrangements with you in our office, at your home or in hospital.

Our Support:

Olsens has a commitment to provide care to you and your family both before and after the funeral.

At no additional cost, we call you for follow up after the funeral and send a letter if telephone contact has not been possible. If you wish we will send some written information about dealing with grief, or you may wish to make an appointment to see our bereavmeent support consultant.

You are encouraged to contact our bereavement support staff at any time during the twelve months during bereavement as you adjust to your loss. We may also make referrals to other agencies for on-going assistance or specialized care.