Grief after losing a child can feel overwhelming and deeply personal.

The loss of a child can bring a depth of grief that is incredibly difficult to put into words. Whether the loss happened during pregnancy, shortly after birth, in childhood or adulthood, there is no timetable for grief and no correct way to feel.

Grief doesn't always look the way we expect

Grief can show itself in many ways. Alongside sadness, you may experience anger, guilt, numbness, disbelief, anxiety or exhaustion. There may be days when you can manage everyday life and others when a photograph, song, birthday or memory brings the grief flooding back.

None of this means you are grieving incorrectly. Your experience belongs to you.

You don't have to leave your child behind

Moving forward with your life doesn't have to mean leaving your child or their memory behind. For some parents, talking about their child, keeping photographs, marking birthdays or creating something in their memory can provide comfort. For others, this may feel too painful.

There is no right approach. What matters is finding what feels right for you.

When other people don't know what to say

Bereavement can feel incredibly lonely. People may care deeply but struggle to know what to say, or avoid talking about your child because they are worried about upsetting you.

Where you feel able, it is okay to tell people what you need. You may want to talk, you may want company without conversation, or you may simply need someone to listen without trying to make things better.

Be gentle with yourself

Grief can affect your sleep, concentration, appetite, energy and ability to manage everyday responsibilities. Try not to judge yourself by what you were able to manage before your loss. Sometimes getting through the day is enough.

Grief doesn't follow a straight line

Grief rarely happens in a neat sequence. You may feel you are beginning to cope and then suddenly find yourself struggling again. Birthdays, anniversaries and milestones can be particularly difficult.

There isn't a deadline by which grief should become easier. Over time, you may find more space for other parts of life alongside it. That does not lessen the importance of your child or the love you have for them.

Child loss counselling and bereavement support in Cardiff