Evaluating a Support Group for Perinatal Loss

Abstract

Grief is very individual, and not all individuals may benefit from a support group. When suggesting a support group or any intervention, timing and a caring approach are essential.

Navigating care after a baby dies: a systematic review of parent experiences with health providers

“…a second, only half of patients reported discussing their feelings about the loss with a physician. 15,27 DiMarco et al (2001) found physicians were rated as the least helpful of any type of staff member. 22 However, not all studies were as negative.…”

“…15,27 DiMarco et al (2001) found physicians were rated as the least helpful of any type of staff member. 22 However, not all studies were as negative. One researcher found a third of parents reported a generally positive relationship with their physician and another third reported a mixed positive and negative relationship.…”

“…20 However, these positive reviews were not universal, and parents in several studies expressed disappointment about interactions with nursing staff. 22,23 For example, in one project, only half of parents reported that they believed the nurse listened to them; in another, only half of nurses were described as supportive; and in a third, 18/28 parents described their nurses as cold or neutral. [24][25][26] Twenty-five articles mentioned at least something positive about experiences with physicians, but doctors were typically rated as much less helpful and supportive than nurses.…”

Perceptions of Perinatal Loss: Miscarriage versus Stillbirth

“…In fact, when friends and family were supportive and available to the women in Van and Meleis' (2002) study, their presence was so significant that the women felt no need to seek additional aid through counseling or support groups. Women have reported finding their partners, mothers, extended families, friends and midwives as most helpful at the time of their pregnancy loss (DiMarco et al, 2001;Rajan, 1994). Additionally, many women have reported exchanges with other women who had suffered a similar loss as helpful and many of the parents within the studies further reported that they found those who were present and listened to be most helpful (DiMarco et al, 2001;Rajan, 1994).…”

“…Women have reported finding their partners, mothers, extended families, friends and midwives as most helpful at the time of their pregnancy loss (DiMarco et al, 2001;Rajan, 1994). Additionally, many women have reported exchanges with other women who had suffered a similar loss as helpful and many of the parents within the studies further reported that they found those who were present and listened to be most helpful (DiMarco et al, 2001;Rajan, 1994). Van and Meleis (2002) reported that society provides more support for women who experience a late pregnancy loss, such as stillbirth, than for women who experience early pregnancy loss, such as miscarriage.…”