[Amanda Loots]

#85399

What is essential for me as a Bereavement Facilitator is that the team, which include the Doctor,Maternity Unit Manager,NICU Unit Manager,Nursery Nurse, other Nurses and the Funeral Parlor should have open and clear communication. The Doctor should discuss clearly with the parents the cause of death or if unknown explain to them that the Placenta will be sent away for pathology and or they have the choice of a Post Mortem. In many cases there is a cause/reason. The worst thing for parents to deal with is not knowing the cause of death. The Unit Manager would normally phone me and explain what has happened, the physical condition of the babies body, the emotional state of the parents, if there was family support and or siblings. Communication should also be clear with the Nursery Nurse and other Nurses on which Funeral Parlour the parents chose for their baby and that they have contact details. The Unit Manager must make sure that all documentation is filled out by the Doctor before the Funeral Parlor come to the Hospital. So the Funeral Parlor must only be contacted if all paper work are done, otherwise they will be going back and forth.I have to update the parents with the correct information and attend to further request from them, and also give feedback to the Unit Manager on their requests and needs and what was done for the parents by me regarding the physical preparation of the baby. The sticker and all the extra information should be recorded in the Mortality book. Nurses should know exactly which baby should be handed over to the Funeral Parlor and that is the main reason why the baby should be marked CLEARLY. I have to explain to the parents what should be done the following day regarding Funeral/Cremation arrangements. If we don’t work properly together as a team with clear communication, it can cause more harm/trauma for the parents.

[Bev Gibson]

#85416

This is such a difficult space to work in, Amanda.
I worked in maternity when I had just qualified and we had a lady admitted for induction at 32 weeks because the baby had trisomy 18. Even though this was an incredibly sad situation, I had never, and still have never worked with a more compassionate and empathetic doctor who actually sat with the patient throughout her labour, explaining every step to her and her husband. When the baby was delivered, the doctor lovingly swaddled him and took him to his parents to mourn. She wept with them, experiencing their loss and then left them alone for as long as they needed to be with their little boy. Thanks to that amazing doctor, that couple had the most incredible closure by the next morning.
I salute you Amanda!

[Sarah Curry]

#85472

I wish we had more people like you in the public and private spaces Amanda. In the Free State were I did my clinicals for midwifery in the state hospitals and clinics, there was no real support for parents who lose their baby at birth. It was all a very hurried situation and the mothers were left alone until the funeral parlor came to collect their babies. They were rarely given the opportunity to make any memories with the babies ie, hand and foot prints. Your work is so important.

[Sue Boucher]

#85811

Amanda, your work is so important and a blessing to those who need your support. Thank you for sharing details on the complex situation parents face when their baby dies at birth and for the compassion you show in such difficult circumstances.

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