Supporting bereaved parents: practical steps in providing compassionate perinatal and neonatal end-of-life care. A North American perspective

Abstract

Providing compassionate bereavement support challenges care-givers in perinatal medicine. A practical and consistent approach tailored to individual families may increase the care-giver's ability to relieve parental grief. This approach includes: (1) clear and consistent communication compassionately delivered; (2) shared decision-making; (3) physical and emotional support; and (4) follow-up medical, psychological and social care. Challenges to providing comprehensive end-of-life care include care-giver comfort, consistency of care, cultural and legal barriers, and lack of adequate training.