Expand+Childbirth is a significant developmental milestone in the lives of parents, an experience that is usually filled with hope, joy and anticipation. The nature of perinatal loss is that it is often sudden and unexpected, resulting in profound shock and...

Hide-Childbirth is a significant developmental milestone in the lives of parents, an experience that is usually filled with hope, joy and anticipation. The nature of perinatal loss is that it is often sudden and unexpected, resulting in profound shock and sadness for families. This workshop will explore the wide range of loss experiences, and the evidence based bereavement care practices that support parents throughout the journey of perinatal loss. The focus will be on how to care compassionately for bereaved parents and their grieving families. The different levels of bereavement support, both in the hospital and community setting will be outlined. Self-care tools for staff who care for bereaved families will be introduced through mindfulness and self-compassion practices.

Expand+On completion of the workshop participants will be able to:

• understand the impact of perinatal loss on the lives of parents, siblings and wider family;
• understand the varied grief responses and grieving styles associated with perinatal loss;
...

Hide-On completion of the workshop participants will be able to:

• understand the impact of perinatal loss on the lives of parents, siblings and wider family;
• understand the varied grief responses and grieving styles associated with perinatal loss;
• understand how to care compassionately for families in the circumstances of perinatal palliative care and bereavement;
• understand how bereavement care practices have been influenced by contemporary grief theory, and how to link theory to practice;
• understand the different levels of bereavement support provided by the hospital and community;
• understand the impact on healthcare staff and learn tools to prevent, recognise or respond to stress, empathy fatigue and burnout.