Perinatal loss: helping families grieve and heal.

Abstract

Parents' loss of a full-term or newborn baby is devastating. Childbirth educators are in a unique position to help parents begin the painful but vital grieving process. This article explores four ways in which childbirth educators can facilitate the grieving process: 1.) communicate sensitivity; 2.) be knowledgeable about bereavement; 3.) be familiar with your hospital's bereavement protocols; and 4.) be aware of families' needs after hospital discharge. The childbirth educator's knowledge and understanding of the grieving process can help parents immeasurably to move through their trauma and confusion, to grieve their cherished baby, and to look forward to the future with hope.