Stillbirth in 1974

[Jenb2104]

My parents first baby was very sadly stillborn in 1974.
He was just taken away, my parents didn't get to see him, let alone hold him. They weren't given any information about what would happen to him. It seems it was the done thing back then.

They've always talked openly about him, remembered him on his birthday etc but only recently have mentioned that they would like to find out what happened to him.

I've offered to look into it for them but I'm not really sure where to start.

Are records even kept for that long? There was no birth or death certificate.

Has anyone got any experience of tracing similar information?

Thank you

I would try the hospital first and see what records they have.
There its a similar query here

How awful, your poor parents. Isn't it scary how different things were when 1974 doesn't seem that long ago.

I hope you can help your parents find peace and maybe some closure. Did he have a funeral?

My mother's brother died in infancy in the 1940s and she was able to find where he was buried (unmarked) so I'd hope by the 1970s it should be possible to trace your brother.

My grandma found her daughter from the 1950’s via the hospital records. They could pinpoint where her ashes were but it was a mixed plot where all babies who had died were put

You’re mother can write and ask about her own hospital records, under data protection request she can request to see the records relevant to what happened at this time.

You need to establish where the hospital records are now kept - as the hospital may still have the records or they may have been deposited with an archive.

If the records have been deposited with an archive you can request to have the parts, they will then contact the relevant hospital trust to gain permission.

It is your mothers records so she needs to sign any letters - it has to be in writing.

Have a look at the website for where your brother was born and see which hospital trust it was first and then contact them to enquire

If you need further assistance DM me is you like and I’ll try and help

I have often helped people try and trace this type of documentation before, unfortunately I will say it can be fruitless, but not always

I’m sorry that this happened to your family 💐