Publication Date

Spring 4-29-2013

School

College of Arts and Sciences

Major

Nursing (B.S.N.)

Primary Subject Area

Health Sciences, Nursing

Keywords

Stillbirth, miscarriage, stillborn, nursing, nursing care

Disciplines

Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

Abstract

Childbirth has the potential of being one of the most joyous and fulfilling experiences a woman goes through in her entire life. Being a mom, driving the kids to soccer practice, and sitting around the Christmas tree with the family can easily be seen as an ideal life. Conversely, the negative experiences with childbirth are rarely discussed. There is an overlooked category: moms who conceive but lose the baby in the womb. Not only are these women overlooked, but also the hospital care they receive proves inconsistent with the latest research. Nurses and doctors should be aware of the latest research showing the most effective to way to treat moms and dads who have just experienced a stillbirth. The immense responsibility of being present for the patient physically, emotionally, and spiritually should not be lost on the nurse. A woman is bringing both death and life into the world simultaneously. Whatever the cause of the premature death, the pain remains long after the tragic loss. Although the loss of a neonate is undoubtedly a delicate and uncomfortable situation, it is for these reasons this topic needs to be addressed.

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