Post mortem photos and ethical issues.

[kcangel]

for last several years our nicu bereavement team has done post mortem photos, with or without the parents present or approval. a few weeks later when we send home the infant loss kit (molds if they come out, hair, footprints, book, etc) we would send the pictures too. we've never had a problem with this until just recently a parent complained because she/he apparently didn't like us doing the pictures (i don't know the reason, i haven't asked yet). so now all post mortem pics in the entire hospital are on hold (pediatric hospital).

i'm on the nusing ethics forum and will be using this as a topic in a couple of months so i'm doing a little research. any input would be appreciated.

thanks.

addition 1/1/07 - i think i spoke to too soon. i do believe that we would take the pictures but wouldn't send them without first asking. you all have given me some good ideas. i have to speak to the nursing ethics group in a couple of months and will bring up some of these suggestions. i have heard of "lay me down to sleep". i know there is a photographer in town who has volunteered her services although i don't know if she is with an organization also. i didn't mention that i am a semi-pro photographer and am part of an organization called "the american child photograhers charity guild" acpcg.com . i had to sign a conflict of interest statement at the hospital. i don't really want to advertise down there anywhere because i don't have time to drive 20 miles to work everyday to do photos.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I looked through the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep website....wow. The pictures are absolutely stunning, at least the ones I could see through the tears running down my face. I work mother/baby so we do have a few IUFDs a month. I try to encourage families to take pictures with their babies, as I think that (for most, anyway) it helps heal. This is a great thread.

[fmrnicumom]

In 2004, my first son was born at 24 weeks, and did well for a few days but developed grade IV IVH. Testing revealed there was very little brain tissue left undamaged and he would not survive. His nurse tried to get a few pictures in his last few moments but the camera was having problems and my husband was so distressed he kept telling her to leave. We don't have even one good picture of him and I really wish we did. At the time, I couldn't think about pictures, all I could think about was that this was the first time I had been able to hold him and would be the only time. I wish we had had the option of some of the wonderful volunteer photography services.

I can see both sides, wanting (needing) to get the release, but at the same time, knowing many parents at the time aren't able to think about anything but that very second in time and that they may regret not having the pictures later. I definitely agree that things shouldn't be sent out of the blue. The parents need to know something is coming before it gets there.

[33-weeker]

We use a digital camera and our mgr. prints them out in her office after proofing them and cropping them as needed. I usually only take the pics and do the foot molds - not usually having contact with families. I assume someone asks. In any case, the prints are the only ones and the photos can be deleted off the camera/computer if anyone were to object. The momento box and photos are presneted to the family before discharge.