Perinatal death, the family, and the role of the health professional.

In order to substantially assist a grieving family at the time of perinatal death, the health care team should have sufficient knowledge of the grief reaction, including the duration, maternal/paternal differences, and perinatal psychodynamics. Immediate support includes bereavement counseling. Predelivery care should be provided, if appropriate. The health care team should be prepared for common questions and know about local cultural traditions. Follow-up care after discharge, including anticipatory guidance, is important. The issues of repeat pregnancies and holiday behavior should be addressed. Siblings must be taken into account. The health care team should be able to detect unresolved grief and identify at-risk parents. A hospital protocol should be in place. It should be kept in mind that parents remember the emotional care given to them rather than the technical or medical care provided.