Perinatal Loss Flashcards
Different types of perinatal losses?
Early loss- ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, infertility
Stillbirth/newborn death
Loss of baby- adoption, apprehension
Loss of health baby- birth of premature/ill infant, birth of infant with special needs, compromised newborn, anomalies
Attachment growths throughout pregnancy?
yes
What is disenfranchised grief?
Occurs when loss doesn’t receive normal social support/isn’t openly acknowledge
4 tasks of mourning?
● To accept the reality of the loss
● To work through the pain and grief
● To adjust to a world without the deceased
● To find an enduring connection while moving forward
with life
Responses to grief?
Relief, disappointment, feelings of inadequacy or failure (did I do something wrong), concerns for future pregnancies
How has society been slow to recognize perinatal loss as significant?
Lack of social rituals, feel marginalized/alone, and perinatal loss isn’t present of public health agenda but its 10x more common than SIDS
Physical, social, and emotional effects of grief?
P- exhaustion, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight changes, sleep problem, headache, restless, aching arms
S- withdrawal from normal activity, isolation, redefining roles in life
E- denial, anger, guilt, bitter, depression, mood swings, time confusion, failure to accept reality, decreased self esteem, preoccupation with deceased/dreams
How to break bad news?
Provide intro sentence before presenting distressing info, ideal for team to be their, tells news in private setting, sit near family/establish eye contact, be unhurried, be specific and present options for care
What’s important to parents?
Being supported by significant person, being kept together when discussing dx, simple explanations, encouragement/support to make decisions
What can you do when caring for families with loss?
Be flexible, listen/assess needs, discuss/offer choice (to see/hold baby, funeral customs), provide consistent caregiver, prep them for how baby may appear, validate them
Guidelines for intervention?
Provide analgesia while in labour, respect privacy/time with baby, support family, take lead from parents in reference to infant (like calling baby by name), provide info, care infant (wash and dress), provide PP teaching when applicable (Breastmilk coming in, stitches, flow, depression), referrals (grief counselling, support groups, public health)
How to provide memories with their child?
Use of memory boxes with- lock of hair, footprints, photos, crib card with weight/measurements and clothing
