Genealogy Chat

My mother went fullterm and had a stillborn son in 1974, I feel I cant ask her about this as even today its too upsetting for her, but I wondered if he would have had a Death Certificate, I know he was taken away from her and she didnt even get to see him and nor did my dad apparently it was all in the hands of the hospital, I was told that in those days they just took them away and had them buried with someone else?? I dont like asking mum anything about it, so just wondered if anyone could shed any light on the way things like this were dealt with. I hope my thread doesnt upset anyone who has been in the same position as my mum, if so I apologise and will remove. Marie: )

Stillborn babies born after 1927 are on a stillbirth register, which is closed. Only babies who died after birth would have a death cert. Stillbirth register is closed to all except the parents and siblings of the baby. Details here: www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/stillbirths/ As to what happened to the baby, I can't answer that, but I do know that my husband's mother had a baby which died aged 2 minutes and I don't know what happened about his burial or if there was a funeral. In those days (1950s) it was thought better to hush everything up and pretend it never happened. nell

If you put 'stillbirths' into the search box at the top of this message board you will see that your situation is not uncommon and you may find some useful information. good luck nell

himarie, i had a stillborn back in 1961 i didnt get a birth cert ether like your mum i never saw my son was never told anything i dont know if they give b/ certs out now for stillborns, but they did'nt then . hope this helps. hazel.

Thankyou for your replies, very much appreciated. Hazel I am sorry for your loss, I know how it affected my mum even though I was only young at the time. Marie

If you follow the link given by nell, you could phone the GRO about this............They fell over backwards to help me and were really kind and sensitive about the subject. They will search the Stillbirths Register and if they find the entry, then you can send for the cert. However, this will not tell you what happened to the baby afterwards. Maybe you could contact the hospital and ask them if they either have any record, or would know who you should contact about this? If the hospital no longer exists, then you might need to contact the local health authority. Merry

Thankyou Merry Marie