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 Bereavement Guidelines
The terms perinatal death (including miscarriage and
stillbirth), neonatal death, Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and infant
deaths (ID) encompass many types of pregnancy and
early childhood losses. Following guidelines that outline
standards of care is critically important to providing
continuity of sensitive care to families experiencing these
loses. Of the almost four million births in 1999, the National Center for Health Statistics reported 18,700 neonatal deaths and
9,164 post neonatal deaths. Perinatal loss may occur in as
many as 30% of pregnancies. When the loss of a child due to
perinatal loss, SIDS or ID occurs, all normal components of
grief – emotional disequilibria, physiological trauma,
spiritual and mental disharmony – are heightened for
parents, propelling them into one of life’s major tragedies
- the death of a child.
Therefore, the First Candle/SIDS Alliance model of
professional case management is built on the concept of
immediate intervention to those affected to assure that
compassionate and comprehensive service is brought to the
family’s doorstep. Confusion and misinformation should be
addressed with accurate and thoughtful information. Support
and attention to the family’s unique and special needs
should be planned and provided.
Following
are links that you may find useful in working with families
experiencing an infant death:
Recommended Materials for Families Experiencing an Infant Death (PDF)
Resources for Recommended Materials (PDF)
First Candle/SIDS Alliance Grief Resources
Grief Brochure “Surviving the Death of a Baby” (PDF)
This brochure is available for you to download, reproduce
and distribute free of charge.
To
receive a copy, or to place a group order, please call 1-800-221-7437 or email info@firstcandle.org.
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