Memorial Ideas After a Miscarriage

A miscarriage is a real loss, even when there's no funeral and no grave. Many parents find comfort in a small, permanent place to remember. These ideas are offered gently.

Places to remember

• A small garden stone at home — see garden memorial stones.
• A keepsake stone indoors — see miniature keepsake headstones.
• A tree with a small plaque — see memorial tree plaques.
• A shared memorial — some hospitals and cemeteries have gardens for pregnancy and infant loss.
• A name on a family headstone, if the family wishes.

Gentle wording

• "Loved before we met you."
• "Always our little one."
• "Held in our hearts forever."
• "So small, so loved."
• A name, if one was chosen, or simply "Baby" with the family name.
• A date, if it feels meaningful.

See headstone wording for a baby.

Symbols

Hearts, butterflies, stars, a small moon, a single footprint or a rainbow for a later baby. See butterfly meaning and rainbow meaning.

Remembrance days

October 15 is observed in many places as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, when families light a candle in the evening. It can be a gentle time to visit a memorial or create one.

Looking after yourselves

Grief after pregnancy loss can be intense and lonely. Partners may grieve differently. Talking with a doctor, counsellor or a pregnancy-loss support group can help.

Key Takeaways

• A miscarriage is a real loss that deserves remembrance.
• Garden stones, keepsakes and trees offer a place to remember.
• Gentle wording can include a name or simply "Baby".
• October 15 is a day of remembrance in many places.

Next Step

See infant and children's memorials.