There is no clear-cut evidence about the best time to conceive another baby after a stillbirth or neonatal death. In the end, the decision about when to try again is up to both of you to make together. However, this can be difficult.

You and your partner may feel differently about the timing. Some research has found, for example, that while fathers tended to want to start another pregnancy fairly soon, mothers wanted to wait longer - until they felt physically and emotionally ready. The death of your baby may also have affected your relationship and it may be hard for you to feel close enough to make love.

You may find that other people - doctors, midwives, relatives and friends - give you different advice about when you should start trying to conceive again. Some may suggest that you try for another baby straight away. Others may tell you that parents recover emotionally more quickly if they allow themselves more time to grieve for the baby who has died before starting another pregnancy.

You may also want to talk things through with your family doctor or obstetrician before trying again. This is particularly important if the mother was ill during the last pregnancy or after the birth, if she has had a caesarean, or if the baby who died had a genetic disorder or condition which might affect another baby.

If you decide to wait, it is important to use some form of contraception when you make love again: it is possible to conceive quite soon after giving birth. You may find it helpful to discuss contraception with your GP, midwife or health visitor.