Perinatal Grief: Validate the Pain and Acknowledge the Loss

Abstract

Perinatal loss is an emotionally devastating experience for parents, whose grief can last for a long period of time and often silently. Perinatal bereavement requires great social sensitivity and the expertise of the professionals who deal with it. The attention and care of perinatal losses requires us to validate the pain and recognise the loss, avoiding making the experience invisible. It is of great importance to provide support throughout the process, from the moment of confirmation of death until some time after discharge from hospital. Lack of support could have negative effects on the grieving process by disempowering the identity of mothers, fathers and the baby, as well as making the death meaningless. For professionals, dealing with perinatal loss is a complex process, which requires training and education. It is a traumatic experience for both parents and caregivers. Specific training in this area is necessary for the parents to experience the bereavement process correctly.