Caring for families experiencing stillbirth. Part 1 of 3: diagnosis to birth

Abstract

This document has been derived from a systematic review of the available evidence regarding the nature of meaningful and/or appropriate non-pharmacological, psychosocial supportive care for families to improve their psychological well-being following stillbirth.1 This document provides evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals providing care for parents around the time of diagnosis up until induction and birth. A number of factors centred around sensitivity, empathy, validation of parents’ emotions, provision of clear, understandable information and consideration of the timing of information impact on parents’ experience of being told that their baby has died or will be stillborn. There are also implications for practice regarding the importance of preparing parents for birth with clear and collaborative explanations, parents’ preferences regarding the timing of birth and allowing parents enough time to process information.