What is the Process for a Stillborn or Baby Cremation
Losing a baby or experiencing a stillbirth can be an especially difficult time. You may feel lost, depressed, and unsure where to turn. A funeral service for the baby can sometimes help ease the grief and allow you to move forward.
Cremations may feel somewhat daunting when you haven’t gone through the process. It can be tough when you’re already grieving and overwhelmed. Therefore, anything that can help ease the burden, however slightly, is worth your consideration.
At Brampton Crematorium & Visitation Centre, we know how challenging this time can be, so we offer these services at a minimal cost. We want to do everything in our power to help you through it. That’s why we’ve broken down the cremation process; this way, you can better understand the procedures and worry less about moving forward.
Understanding Baby Funerals and Cremations
Canadian law requires babies and stillborns to have funerals or cremations. The law defines these terms as follows:
- A “baby” is classified as any child under the age of four.
- A “stillborn baby” is any baby who doesn’t show signs of life at birth and either weighs more than 500 grams when born or makes it through a 20-week gestation period.
- If the baby passes before the 20-week gestation period or weighs less than 500 grams, it’s considered a miscarriage; while you still might be able to request a cremation or funeral, you aren’t required to have one.
After a baby dies, a funeral service can be healing for the grieving parents. Talk to us to get more information on this service.
The Process
While a baby funeral may help ease your grief, navigating the process can be difficult. Thankfully, our funeral home and crematorium will help guide you.
Most of the time, the funeral home will go through the following process:
1. Initial arrangements: When you first contact the funeral home, they’ll take the time to speak with you and get a better understanding of your situation. They’ll discuss costs, ask about your wishes, and walk you through the process to put your mind at ease.
2. Transporting the baby: Once you’ve made arrangements with our funeral home, we’ll send transportation to the hospital to bring your baby to the site.
3. Handle any necessary documentation: The funeral director will work closely with you to file and obtain any necessary documentation, such as death certificates and cremation certificates.
4. Cremation: The crematorium will handle the cremation once legal concerns are settled.
5. Return the ashes: The crematorium will collect them and return them to you, along with important documents (such as the death certificate).
No Charge Funeral Service
At our funeral home, we give all families the option of hosting small and private funeral services to help with the grief process. This can be a religious service or some time for the parents to spend time with their stillbirth child.
Get Help Arranging a Funeral or Cremation by Contacting Brampton Crematorium & Visitation Centre
A baby cremation can help family and friends move on after the loss of a child. At Brampton Crematorium & Visitation Centre, we want to support your family during this difficult time. We operate with compassion and respect; we aim to support you throughout the process, guiding you to take some of the burden off your shoulders. Reach out to us at (905) 458-2222 to request more information.