Grieving

The last thing expectant parents want to think about is the loss of their baby. When this unexpected and rare situation occurs, it needs to be grieved.

Thirty years ago, babies who died were whisked away; out of sight/out of mind was the thinking. We now understand that the opposite is true: seeing, holding, taking photos and having footprints and locks of their hair as mementos are actually very helpful in completely grieving the death.

Friends and family often feel awkward and at a loss for words, thinking that avoiding the issue is the kindest thing to do. In reality, just listening and letting the grieving mother or father talk is the most helpful and can be very therapeutic.

Sarah McMoyler RN