ABSTRACT
Pregnancy and childbirth are, for most women, wonderful and memorable experiences. Yet, without warning, they can have a heartbreaking outcome. Regardless of the stage of pregnancy at which a baby is lost, the family grieves the death. The authors of this article suggest how nurses can best support the couple, siblings, grandparents and significant others through their time of sorrow. The article highlights key points from the 1992 the Hôpital de Chicoutimi (Québec) reference guide entitled "Guide d'accompagnement des familles devant un deuil périnatal." The guide includes the types of grief and the six phases of grief resolution. It outlines specific nursing interventions and recommends various strategies for the nurse to help these families grieve their loss. Some strategies include the holding and cuddling of the baby by the parents, post-partum follow-up by nursing personnel and family therapy sessions. The authors suggest that nurses who are knowledgeable about the grief experiences of these parents will be better equipped to help other parents cope with similar grief. The increased knowledge will also assist nurses to sort out and deal with their own feelings on this subject. Nurses who are able to effectively care for these grieving families can often enhance their personal and professional self-esteem.
