Question

Amanda is a 28-year old primigravid at 39 6/7 weeks of gestation who is admitted to the Labor and Delivery unit in early labor. She has no known risk factors. Amanda tells the nurse that she has not felt the baby move since yesterday. The nurse is unable to hear the fetal heart rate. The nurse notifies the resident who performs an ultrasound, which confirmed fetal demise. Amanda is induced with Pitocin, ands 8 hours later she delivers an 8 pound 10 ounce stillborn baby girl. The cord was wrapped tightly around the baby’s neck three times. Amanda is recovering in the labor room, and her husband, Gary, is at the bedside. Pastoral care has already met with the couple to discuss autopsy, organ donation, spiritual rituals, and disposition of the body. After report, the nurse goes into the room and assess Amanda.

1. After introducing himself/herself, the nurse tells Amanda and Gary that he/she is sorry to learn that their baby is gone. What other words would be more beneficial to help the parents actualize the loss?

2. The nurse asks the parents if they would like to talk about the birth of their baby. How does this help the parents?

3.The nurse asks the couple if they would like to hold their baby. Is this a beneficial experience for most parents?

4.Amanda and Gary decide that they do not want to see and hold their baby. They have named her Hazel after Gary’s mother. How will the nurse prepare for their visit with the baby?

Answer 1

1. No words can express the pain you are going through, I am sorry about your loss
2. They can prevent complications in next pregnancy , take care in next pregnancies
3. No. It will be a painful experience for most of the parents. The face of the dead child will be traumatic to them. So better avoid holding or seeing dead child.
4. Make them mentally strong. Explain the situation and Prepare both of them mentally to meet their child. Keep visit shortest as possible. Motivate them..