Question

Perinatal loss is a traumatic event that can occur with childbearing families. After completing the assigned readings, viewing the video, and reading the article, discuss something that was significant to you regarding perinatal loss - be specific. Identify specific nursing interventions to meet the needs of families experiencing loss.

Answer 1

Perinatal loss :

Perinatal loss is a traumatic event to the family and it refers to a neonatal birth or the death of an infant due to still birth , miscarriage, molar pretc. Neonatal death refers to the death of an infant within first 28 days of life. It is a most devastating moment in family's , especially in parent's life.

Specific nursing interventions for the family:

* Clear and compassionate communication, to the family with honesty and respect. It should be in timely and in sensitive way.

- Use the interpreter , in case of language difficulties , and provide enough time to ventilate their feelings , questions and express their emotions.

- Use ' silence' and 'active listening ' as therapeutic communication technique.

- Use the word ' baby ' , when referring the fetus.

In case of neonatal death, refer the baby's name , if its there.  

* Support the parents in taking a decision to end the life support to the baby , in case of inevitable suffering and death.  

* Support the parents in their grieving process.

- Take a wise decision on allowing the parents to care for the dying baby or doing some baby care for the dead baby, like carrying or kissing him or making him to wear the baby dress etc. Decision has to take by discussing with baby's parents.  

- Prepare the parents for the physical appearance of baby, in case of any congenital anomalies.  

- Provide the facilities for grief counselling, also spiritual or psychosocial counselling, if the parents are interested.  

* Never make any assumptions related to after death rituals of baby, instead communicate with the family members about the traditional practices and needed actions like taking photos of baby etc.

* Assist with each stage of grieving process , like denial , anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance , as needed.

* Record the incident in the register according to the legal policies, and follow up care.

* Connect the families with the support groups and peers, who experienced the same loss.