Miscarriage and stillbirth

You are not expected to return to work earlier than you planned if you sadly miscarry or your baby dies before or after birth. You are still entitled to 26 weeks of parental leave payments provided you:

are eligible for parental leave payments

have not transferred your payments

have not returned to work since you gave birth, miscarried or started parental leave. Parental leave payments cannot be transferred to a spouse or partner after a baby has died.

Parents may also be entitled to bereavement leave.

Taking bereavement leave

Whetūrangitia provide support and advice for parents and whānau who have lost a baby. For more information, visit:

Information for bereaved family and whānau experiencing the death of a baby or child – Whetūrangitia (services.govt.nz) (external link)