Depression after a miscarriage.

Nurses General Nursing

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After a family has suffered a miscarriage, how can nurses help them if they are expressing signs of depression?

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Suggest they go see there OB,MD or PCP..

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Specializes in OB, NICU, Nursing Education (academic).

I've had 3 miscarriages myself. It's important not to minimize the loss. Say you're sorry for the loss, and be available to listen. One thing I found very helpful was participating in on-line support groups; the one I used was at parentsplace.com (I'm not sure it still exists).

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Specializes in med-surg.
Suggest they go see there OB,MD or PCP..

This is not very good advice! A nurse can come up with a better response than that....:down::down:

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:hanukkahstar:

Suggest they go see there OB,MD or PCP..

Yeah dude, not the best advice in the world.:down:

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This sounds like homework to me.

To the OP: what do YOU think? What have you already thought about? What do you need further guidance on?

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

A nurse would know what to say and since WE can not give medical advise on this site, my responce was safe.. Depression is a medical dx right...

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Specializes in med-surg.
A nurse would know what to say and since WE can not give medical advise on this site, my responce was safe.. Depression is a medical dx right...

I'm sure you meant "advice" and "response" but a nurse can come up with a compassionate response other than just telling them to go to the doctor.

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Specializes in acute care med/surg, LTC, orthopedics.

A nurse can help by providing condolences, empathy, understanding and support.

A PCP can help by prescribing Paxil.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.
I'm sure you meant "advice" and "response" but a nurse can come up with a compassionate response other than just telling them to go to the doctor.

Thanks for the spell check.. I guess my mind is asleep after working the weekend.. I still stand by what I said.. If it is depression, treatment is needed. That does not always mean medications. And yes, talking, support groups etc is all very helpful but as I stated a nurse would already know that.. The OP did not have a MC.

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Just be there to really listen. Ask questions about the baby, name, etc., if they would like to talk more about the baby they were so looking forward to. Just be there and when possible encourage them to be with loved ones who are supportive and willing to listen. Of course reassure them that it was not their fault if they are worrying about that. Encourage them to rest some, but when they can, exercise, and get some sunlight. Assure them that it would be totally expected to express signs of depression during this very difficult time, and that everybody has their own way and timetable of moving through the grieving process:angel:.

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After a family has suffered a miscarriage, how can nurses help them if they are expressing signs of depression?

The nurse should listen, offer no personal advice.

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