I once supported a couple with the loss of their little baby girl that has passed on in the NICU. I was actually attending a birth and when they heard that I am around, they called me to the NICU. I always have my kit with me, so it was okay and i could have provided support. When I entered the Counselling room;here was a 2 year little girl and her 14 year old sister waiting for their mom and dad.I then talked to the parents and asked them how do they want me to deal with the situation regarding the siblings being there etc. I first had to consult with the parents and find out if there are any specific rules stipulated by their religion that I should take into consideration.
It was such a beautiful family saying goodbye and spending their last moments with the little sister who passed away.
Firstly I explained to the siblings in an age appropriate matter what I will be helping them to do and how to do it. The 2 year old sibling helped her mommy to bath her sister; they watched how I made footprints with ink and with clay;the two year old sibling asked whether she could also have clay to play with, so I opened another packet and she made her own hand print. Everybody joined in to smear some cream onto their sister and helped to dress her. They were all so content to have been apart of it. They have hold her and said their goodbyes. It was heartwarming for me to be apart of this and for the fact that I could have provided the sacred space for them.
