When the news is sad....

We are fortunate to live in a place and time where most of our mothers and babies are healthy and all goes well in a pregnancy. For some, however, that is not their story. Some results identify a child who has a significant chance of having a medical condition that could result in high needs or be life limiting. Scans may show a major anomaly or death of a baby. What we say, how we approach this very sensitive topic is so important to the families. So, when faced with the prospect of delivering difficult news, please take a moment to compose yourself, to consider the needs of the family, to be mindful of the space you create, the words you use and be thoughtful and kind.

SANDS has a number of resources aimed at both families and medical staff who are dealing with a miscarriage, stillbirth or death of a newborn and they offer a 24/7 support line Ph 1300 072 637.  Red Nose has a grief and loss page with a support library and 24/7 support line Ph 1300 308 307. Pink Elephants has resources for those who have experienced miscarriage or early pregnancy loss. The Pregnancy Birth & Baby helpline Ph 1800 882 436 has counsellors or early childhood nurses available.  

A reflection by a colleague who lost her child is told in Remembering Juniper (trigger warning).

The Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) host a number of resources, including information on dealing with the psychological and social aspects of perinatal bereavement.