The death of a child is often considered a tragedy and would usually provoke a greater emotional response in the general population than that of someone who has lived a long and fulfilled life. However, until recently, the loss of a baby before or shortly after birth has received little recognition and remains largely unacknowledged or underemphasised today ( Kohner and Henley, 2001 ; Mottram, 2004 ; Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS), 2012 ), despite approximately 75% of child deaths being stillbirths or early neonatal deaths ( SANDS, 2012 ). The care received at this time can have a significant and lasting impact on families and thus it is imperative that professionals are able to offer effective care that meets families’ individual needs. In order to do this, practices, policies and guidelines need to be reviewed critically, questioning why things are done as they are and ensuring that quality, up-to-date evidence is the foundation of care.