Additional Notes on Maternity and Paediatric Care - Church of Ireland

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Initiation ritual/infant baptism

Essential Practice Point 5

In the Anglican tradition the Sacrament of Baptism is the religious ceremony that initiates the person into the religion. This usually takes places in infancy. If a new born infant is in danger of death it is important that the child is baptised.
If the infant dies before baptism can be performed, a Naming Ceremony can be offered by a Church of Ireland chaplain or priest.
In an emergency any Christian, including a midwife or another healthcare practitioner, may perform a baptism. This is done by making the sign of the Cross on the child's forehead, pouring a little water on the forehead and saying the words “(child's name), I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.' Many parents will derive great comfort from knowing that their child has been baptised.

At a later time a surviving child can be publicly welcomed and into the religion.

There are no specific religious requirements governing many areas of foetal, infant and child death. The chaplain can offer particular ceremonies based on the needs and wishes of the parents, which are of paramount importance in these sensitive situations.
In the case of a stillbirth the chaplain can offer a Blessing or Naming Ceremony. These rituals can also be performed in the case of miscarriage, based on a request from parents.
A funeral service will be offered for all cases of foetal, infant and child death. The nature of the service is based upon the wishes and needs of the bereaved. Local clergy tend to work with the bereaved family in the preparation of the funeral service. The chaplain will be a contact person and a resource in these matters.
Parents will value the knowledge that the remains are treated with respect.

There is no objection to offering a memento of a deceased child to the parents, be it a footprint, hand print, lock of hair, etc.