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Bereavement

The death of someone you love can turn your world upside down and is one of the most difficult experiences to endure. This may be harder to cope with if you are pregnant, or just had a baby.

 

Family and friends can help you by spending time with you if you have been bereaved. A sympathetic arm around the shoulders can express love and support when words are not enough.

 

Grief is not just one feeling but a whole succession of feelings which take time to get through and which cannot be hurried. If you need help or advice, you can contact your GP.

 

If your partner dies

If your partner dies during your pregnancy or soon after childbirth you will feel emotionally numb. It is like no other loss. It is not something you get over, more that you learn, eventually, to live with. 

Don’t be afraid to lean on family and friends. If your partner was going to be with you at the birth you will need to think about who will be with you instead. Try to choose someone who knows you very well.

 

Financially, you may need urgent advice and support. You can get the leaflets suggested from your local social security office/Benefits Agency.

As well as speaking to friends, family and social services, you may like to contact WIDWODS, a small support group set up by young widows.

Domestic Violence

 

If you need urgent help the following 24-hour helplines are available:

  • Women’s Aid Federation of England  (0345) 023468
  • In Northern Ireland (028) 90331818
  • Rape Crisis (020) 7837 1600
  • For advice, you may find the following leaflets produced by the DSS (Social Security Agency in Northern Ireland) helpful:
    What to Do after Death in England and Wales (D49
    A Guide to Widow’s Benefits (NP45)
    Help from the Social Fund (GL18)
    Which Benefit (FB2)

  • See the following in Benefits and Entitlements
    Income Support
    Housing Benefit
    Family Credit
    Council Tax
    Child Benefit

  • If you were married and your husband worked, you may be entitled to Widowed Mother’s Allowance, based on his National Insurance contributions.    

  • If you weren’t married, you will not be classed as a widow and will therefore be dependant on your private arrangements or Income Support or Family Credit, if you work.                   
  • If you are very short of money you may be able to get a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Social Fund. It is always worth talking to your undertaker or religious adviser to see if they can help.

 

Information provided by Health Promotion England.