Finding the right words

In moments of profound loss, words can feel impossible to find. These templates are here so you do not have to start from nothing. Take what feels right, change what does not, and make it your own.

I am writing to share something that has broken our hearts.

Our baby [name] was born still on [date]. There are no words adequate to describe what we are going through, and we are still finding our way through the shock and grief of these first days.

We wanted you to hear this from us directly. We ask only for your patience and kindness as we take the time we need. We are not yet ready for visits or calls, but knowing you are there means more than we can say.

We will reach out when we are ready. Until then, please simply hold us in your thoughts.

With love,
[Your name]

Dear [Name / HR Team],

I am writing to inform you that I have recently experienced the loss of my baby. This has been an unexpected and devastating bereavement and I am currently unable to return to work.

I would be grateful if you could advise me on the bereavement and parental leave policies available to me, and confirm that my absence will be recorded appropriately.

I will be in touch as soon as I am able to discuss my return.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

I wanted to share some difficult news with you.

Our baby was born sleeping, and our family is grieving this profound loss. We are taking time away to be together and to heal, and we ask for your understanding and privacy during this period.

If you were expecting to hear from us, please know that we will be in touch again when we are ready.

[Your name]

Our baby [name] was born sleeping on [date].

We are sharing this because [he/she/they] existed, and [his/her/their] life mattered deeply to us.

We are not looking for advice, and we may not respond to messages for a while. But we are grateful to have people around us who care.

Thank you for holding us gently.

I wanted to let you know that I have recently had a miscarriage.

It has been a painful and difficult time. I know that pregnancy loss is not always easy to talk about, but it has affected me deeply and I felt it was important to be honest with you.

I am not looking for anything specific — just for you to know, and to be patient with me.

Thank you for listening.

[Your name]

Thank you for reaching out. It means a great deal to know you are thinking of us.

We are not able to respond to messages right now, and we ask that you respect our need for quiet and privacy. We are not ready for visits, calls, or gatherings.

When we are ready to reconnect, we will reach out. Until then, please know that your kindness is felt, even in our silence.

[Your name]

Dear [Leader's name / Community],

I am writing to share that our family has experienced the loss of our baby [name], who was born still on [date].

We are grateful for the love and support of this community, and we ask for your prayers and patience as we grieve. We may be absent from gatherings for some time.

With gratitude,
[Your name]

We are writing together to share that our baby [name] was born sleeping on [date].

We are heartbroken, and we are holding each other through this. Grief moves differently for each of us, and we ask for your understanding if we reach out at different times or in different ways.

Your love and care mean everything to us.

[Your names]

Dear [Doctor / Midwife / GP],

I am writing to request support following the loss of my baby [name], who was born still on [date].

I am finding this period very difficult and would be grateful for a referral to a specialist bereavement counsellor or a support service for parents who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.

Thank you,
[Your name]

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