Funeral arrangements for your baby

Patient Information Leaflet

On behalf of Whittington Health, we are very sorry for the loss of your baby. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this difficult time.

This leaflet has been created to provide you with the practical information you will need to make the required arrangements.

There are several options open to you, depending on how far along you were in your pregnancy.

You can make private arrangements

• A funeral director can collect your baby from the hospital for a private funeral, cremation, or burial.
• There is a list of local funeral directors at the end of this leaflet.
• The hospital does not pay for private funerals. You will need to arrange it yourself or with the help of your religious leader.
• If your baby was born after 24 weeks, some costs will be covered by government funding.
• Most funeral directors keep costs as low as possible.

The hospital can arrange for your baby to be a part of a joint cremation

• The hospital can arrange for your baby to be cremated with other babies.
• The ashes are scattered in the Children’s Garden of Remembrance at Islington and St Pancras Cemetery in East Finchley.
• You do not need to be involved or contacted unless you ask to be.
• If you want to know the date of the scattering of the ashes, we can let you know.
• The ashes cannot be returned to you, but you can visit the garden of remembrance at any time.

You can take your baby home

• You can take your baby home if you deliver before 24 weeks.
• Your baby will be placed in a sealed box.
• It is important to think about what will happen when you return home.
• If you choose to bury the remains, you must own the land or have permission from the landowner.
• You should also consider what will happen if you move home in the future.
• Please think about whether pets or other animals may disturb the area.
• If you choose this option, we will provide information to help you do this safely and correctly.

You may need more time to think about this

• Take as much time as you need to consider what will happen after the pregnancy ends.
• To discuss your options further you can email: whh-tr.bereavementmidwife@nhs.net
• Leave your details and we will call you back when you are ready.

Stillbirth Registration

• If your baby was born on or after 24 weeks, you must register the baby before funeral arrangements can be made.

Registration of a stillborn baby

• What forms do you need?

  • A ‘Certificate of Stillbirth’ will be issued by either a clinician or registered Midwife.
  • The certificate will normally be given to you by the Bereavement Midwife who will be able to answer any questions that you might have.

• When do you need to register the stillbirth?

  • The birth must be registered within 42 days and not later than three months after delivery.

• Where do you register the stillbirth?

The birth can be registered at:

• The Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages
  Islington Town Hall,
  Upper Street,
  London,
  N1 2UD

• Please email them to make an appointment: registrars@islington.gov.uk

• Who can register a stillbirth?

  • The mother or birthing parent can register the stillbirth alone.
  • If the parents are married or in a civil partnership, then either parent can register the stillbirth.
  • If the parents are not married or in a civil partnership, both parents must go to the registry office together to sign the stillbirth register.

• What information do you need to register a stillbirth?

  • When you register a stillbirth, you will need to bring the Certificate of Stillbirth given to you by the Doctor or Midwife.
  • You will need to provide the following information:

Baby

• Baby’s first name and surname
• Date and place of stillbirth
• Sex of the baby.

Mother or birthing parent

• Full name
• Date and place of birth
• Current or previous occupation
• Home address
• Date of marriage (if married to the baby’s father)
• Number of previous children with a current or former husband.

Father or other parent

• Full name
• Date and place of birth
• Current or previous occupation.

What documents will you receive?

• After registering a stillbirth, you will receive:
  • A certificate for burial or cremation, which you give to the funeral director or the person arranging the funeral.
  • A free certificate of registration to confirm that the stillbirth has been registered.
  • A stillbirth certificate (available for a small fee), which includes details about both parents, the baby, and the medical cause of the stillbirth.

Act of Remembrance

• Each year, we hold an Act of Remembrance ceremony at the hospital to remember babies and children who have died.
• You will be contacted with information on the date, time, and venue of the next Act of Remembrance, and you are welcome to attend.
• An entry can be made in the Book of Remembrance that can be found in the Department of Spiritual and Pastoral Care. Please ask a member of staff for details.
• The death of a baby is a very difficult time for the parents, their family, and friends.
• If we can support you further, please contact us. This includes asking for a referral to the women’s health counselling service.

Useful contacts

Bereavement support Midwives
Shared phone: 07825 009071 available 7 days a week, 8am to 4pm.
Email: whh-tr.bereavementmidwife@nhs.net

Department of Spiritual and Pastoral Care
Tel: 020 7288 5337 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
During out of hours phone the switchboard on 020 7272 3070.

Labour Ward Tel: 020 7288 5502 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Funeral Directors

• The following is a list of funeral directors within four miles of the hospital.

• This list is provided as a guide only.

• The hospital does not recommend any specific funeral director.

• You should choose the service that feels right for you and your family.

  • Co-op Funeral Directors, several branches in London – 0808 304 7279
  • Dignity, several locations – 0808 231 6684
  • A France & Son, WC1N (also Islington & Hendon) – 0207 4054901
  • African Caribbean Funeral Service, N16 0UD – 0207 275 0175
  • Abney Funeral Services, N16 7JD – 0207 923 7111
  • Chandu Taylor & Son, N11 1QD – 0208 361 6151
  • Demetriou & English, N22 8NG – 0208 889 9888
  • Exit Here, N18 9TN – 0208 050 2100
  • Floyd & Son, N1 7QP – 0207 490 5090
  • Harrison Funeral Home, N19 5NL – 0208 819 3268
  • 22 London Direct Cremations, NW2 3LJ – 0808 296 7015
  • Leverton & Sons Ltd (several locations) – 0207 387 6075
  • A W Luck & Son, N2 8DX – 0208 883 2429
  • Melville & Daughters, N15 3PT – 0208 888 7262
  • M M Broad & Son, N12 8RG – 0208 108 1919
  • Oakleigh Funerals Ltd, N20 0RU – 07713160873 (Ian)
  • Thomas Crib & Son, E6 5PA – 0207 476 1855
  • WG Miller, N1 2SJ – 0207 226 3886