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sands stillbirth and neonatal death support group south australia

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About SANDS

SANDS offers support to all bereaved parents and relatives who have suffered the death of a baby anytime from conception through to 28 days after birth - this includes, miscarriage, neonatal death, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy and genetic/medically advised termination.

Our support to bereaved parents does not cut off at 28 days after birth, bereaved parents whose baby dies later in infancy are also welcome to SANDS.

SANDS (SA) is a statewide, self help voluntary organisation run by and for bereaved parents. We receive no government funding and rely heavily on fund-raising efforts and donations. SANDS also exist in all other States and the ACT. There is a National SANDS body to which all States and the ACT belong.

SANDS is a self help group consisting solely of bereaved parents.
SANDS bring bereaved parents together in a number of ways, through a Newsletter, Support meetings, and over the telephone. Parents who are 'down the track' in their grief, and who have done some training, support those who are just starting to grieve.

SANDS aims to assist parents in their grief and to help them understand the emotions that they are experiencing are normal.
SANDS are able to offer assistance and guidance with regards to burial traces. Some parents, unable to find a gravesite, may be able to locate a record of their baby's stillbirth/death through the Births, Deaths and Marriages registrar.
Bereaved parents whose baby died between 1966 and 1996 are entitled to a Perinatal Death Certificate. Parents whose baby died since 1996 are now entitled to a Birth certificate. These are available from the Births, Deaths and Marriages registrar, Adelaide, South Australia.
SANDS volunteers are available to speak to health professionals, welfare workers and other interested members of the community about the needs of bereaved parents.
Layettes are knitted for us by Volunteer Knitters. These are suitable for babies from 16 weeks gestation onwards. They are available free of charge to hospitals and funeral homes upon request.