Northern Trust launches new pregnancy loss literature at Midwifery training event

The death of a loved one is extremely difficult and even more so when the loved one is a baby. The Pregnancy Loss and Paediatric Bereavement Team of the Northern Trust has developed a number of new leaflets for parents and their families following a miscarriage or stillbirth. The leaflets were written with input from service users and provide information and guidance to support families through the bereavement process.

Patient information on management of pregnancy loss leaflet

Information following the loss of your baby leaflet

Information and support services following miscarriage leaflet

These leaflets cover a range of topics including information on treatment options, post-mortem examinations, funeral arrangements, memorials and support available to families through the Trust and other organisations.

The new leaflets were launched to coincide with training Northern Trust midwives and nurses recently took part in. The training provided in conjunction with SANDS (the Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) focused on ways of supporting bereaved parents.

Gwyneth Peden, Trust Bereavement Co-ordinator said, “It is recognised that care received in these circumstances can have an enduring impact on the bereavement experience of the mother and family members either positively or negatively. The development of these new resources and the additional training will enhance the service provided and help support staff providing sensitive and appropriate care at a difficult time.”

Sinead O’Kane, Head of Midwifery and Gynae Services said “Within the Maternity and Gynae Service we are aware of the enormity of the loss experienced at this time by parents and indeed by the wider family circle. We therefore endeavour to provide the most sensitive, appropriate care at this difficult time. We believe that the development of these new resources and additional training will further enhance the care that we can provide.”

For more information or support on pregnancy loss please contact your GP, midwife or health visitor.

The Trust would like to give credit to Ronnie Miller, former porter in Causeway Hospital, who took the snowdrop photo used on the front cover of the new leaflets. Mr Miller sadly passed away last week and the Trust would like to express its sympathy to the family.

1st February 2013