The topic of death is often swept under the rug in the Czech Republic, and the death of an infant is perhaps twice as much of a taboo. Unfortunately, for many parents, it is a harsh reality. The following tips are based on the experiences of funeral directors and, above all, on the recommendations of many parents who have experienced the death of a baby and encountered various reactions from those around them. Some of these reactions were very helpful, while others only rubbed salt into the wound. Keep in mind that everyone experiences the loss of a child differently, and the points mentioned below are by no means a one-size-fits-all guide.
But you certainly can’t go wrong by having a sincere conversation with the parents and asking them what makes them feel comfortable and what doesn’t. They’ll surely appreciate that more than if you remained completely silent about the death of their baby or even started avoiding them. It’s also important to mention that each parent probably grieves differently, and it’s possible that different things you do will help the baby’s mother and different things will help the baby’s father. And don’t be afraid of their emotions and tears—they’re often the main path to healing the deepest grief.