The effects on the family of miscarriage, termination for abnormality, stillbirth and neonatal death

This discussion of bereavement in the United Kingdom after a stillbirth or infant death suggests that trained health professionals support parents by offering them choices which are associated with special memories. Professionals must choose their words carefully. Honesty is important. Parents appreciate the opportunity to talk with the most senior person in charge of their care and to be given an explanation for decisions that were made, regardless of their helpfulness. These measures help to eliminate information-seeking litigation and parents accept tragedy. Counseling is useful for setting a special time to express grief and painful feelings in a safe environment. Bereaved parents need to spend time with a caring, supportive person whom they trust. Kin may not be able to serve in this capacity. The way parents grieve will have an effect on living children. People feel grief differently, and one spouse may be fearful about the stability of the relationship. It is important that couples discuss their feelings about the event without dwelling on it. Intercourse after a death may bring some couples closer, express a need for affection, or act as a painful reminder of the loss. Mothers who quickly conceive again will need a great deal of support in learning to accept that the new baby will not fulfill the expectations lost with the prior infant's death. At particular risk are mothers who bear their next baby around the anniversary of their first babies death. Babies that die early in pregnancy are usually given little recognition, but health professionals must acknowledge or show sensitivity to parental emotional needs in this circumstance. In 1992 the Health Committee on Maternity Services recognized the need for bereavement training of professionals involved in maternity care. The Child Bereavement Trust was established in 1994 as a national charity than provides health professionals with training and support and disseminates information to professionals and bereaved families. The Trust has a working relationship with other support groups.