Perinatal Loss Flashcards
1
Q
How it used to be done
A
“Football pass”, remove baby and never let parents see it
- Has shifted in the last 20 years or so
2
Q
Epidemiology of Perinatal Loss
A
- Neonatal rate: 4.2, within first 28 days of life
- Perinatal: 5.96, from 22 wks gestation to first 7 days of life
- 900,000 families annually affected by birth tragedies
3
Q
What do we do as the nurse?
A
- Acknowledge the parents’ grief
- Create support systems
- Very important to help parents recognize that this painful experience can last a lifetime
- Also recognize that men and women will process this differently and help them to understand that
- Encourage parents to spend time with baby before saying goodbye
- Create memories and rituals
- Individual, compassionate, family-centered care
4
Q
Baby’s Rights
A
- To be recognized as a person who was born and has died
- To be named
- To be seen, touched, held by family
- To have end of life acknowledged
- To be put to rest with dignity
5
Q
Parents’ Rights
A
- See/hold/touch baby
- Photographs
- Mementos
- Name and bond with child
- Religious/cultural practices
- Receive empathetic care
- Be with each other and alone with infant
- Request autopsy
- Have info presented in an understandable manner
- Plan a farewell ritual
- Receive info on resources for healing
6
Q
Immediately after birth
A
- Help woman meet stillborn baby while soft and warm
- Research: seeing and holding stillborn during first 30 minutes is very valuable
- Tell parents how baby will look at birth and how it will change
- Give advice about what to do when baby is born
7
Q
Role of Nurse
A
- Be present and supportive for family
- Avoid statements that judge, minimize loss
- Call it “your baby”
- Listen empathetically
- Nurse provides support to the family, advocates and orchestrates all the necessary activities for his/her parents
8
Q
Experience of the nurse
A
- Stress: unexpected, failure
- Coping skills
- Emotional protection
- Empowered to support
