Perinatal Bereavement?

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I am currently not an L&D nurse, but since experiencing the loss of my son at 25 weeks, I have wanted to get into some kind of perinatal bereavement nursing. I know it isn't a "thing" in all hospitals (it's not in our small hospital). I have no idea how to get into it or what qualifications I need. I would not want to do L&D in general, but would want to be more of a resource person (carry out a program, give resources, just support in general, follow up stuff etc) for families who have experienced or know they will experience a loss. I think it would also be cool to work in more than just L&D, maybe carry over into ER if needed or even OB offices. If you are doing this or something similar, how did you get into it? What if there is no specific position for this? Help!

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I'm not doing this- I work in the ER- but we have these little pamphlets we can give to women experiencing miscarriage in our ER, and they really are a blessing.

Working at a small hospital puts you at an advantage for starting a program like you describe, IMO. Maybe you could do some more research and put together a proposal.

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Specializes in Postpartum, Med Surg, Home Health.

I don't have any advice, but wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your baby. I think it is wonderful that you want to help others who will be going through this, it takes an awesome person to do what you want to do

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Merged topics.

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Merged topics.

What does that mean?

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I worked with hospice that had a perinatal program. The company pretty much had partnership with all the hospitals in the state. We worked from the hospital, on call duties for unexpected loss. Many of the case managers from hospice were recruited to work in high risk L&D. I didn't stay too long, it was very overwhelming, but a much needed service. But this experience opened many doors.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
What does that mean?

It means that contrary to the site terms of service duplicate threads were started in different forums. The site staff then merged the duplicate threads and moved to the appropriate forum.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

In large cities, there are hospices that specialize in pediatrics. In small communities there typically is no such thing. When we lived in a smaller community, there were two instances where an infant went directly from my care (L&D) to my husband's care (hospice). Both were 2/2 Trisomy 18.

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I am an L&D nurse in a medium-sized hospital. We do not have a hospice option for infants that I've encountered. As such, L&D staff provide all care to patients experiencing miscarriage or fetal demise. However, we do have a hospital-wide support group for perinatal loss that anyone can be involved in. I'm sure that if your hospital has such a program, they'd welcome your involvement, support and expertise. If they don't, perhaps you could spearhead such a project.

On a personal note, I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your little one. Do take care of yourself and beware jumping into involvement with other parents experiencing the same loss too soon. What you're trying to do is very noble and very well may help the healing process, but it may also be more difficult than you anticipate, especially if your loss is recent.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I agree with Soldiernurse and want to add, you need to be very careful that it needs to be about the patient, not the nurse. Sometimes being able to identify with a patient's circumstances in such a personal way becomes a hindrance to therapeutic care.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I too am very sorry for your loss! Hugs to you, mama.

Have you seen that documentary "The American Nurse?" One of the RNs featured works in L&D and also does perinatal bereavement things. I can't remember offhand if she talked about how she started her program or not.

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Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is a bereavement program that specializes in perinatal loss photography, but on their website, they have links to other support programs.

Blessings to you. As a RN who works with our bereavement program, I know you're in the midst of incredible loss and sadness. I'm so sorry, and I hope you're surrounded by love and support.

Amy

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