Communicating with Parents who Experience a Perinatal Loss

Abstract

The importance of communicating with parents who experience a perinatal loss has been documented repeatedly in the research. Yet, parents do not consistently receive adequate information when they experience a loss. Effective communication with parents who have experienced a loss requires ongoing dialogue throughout all phases of care, starting well before the loss of an infant. To communicate effectively, clinicians need to know the type of information to give, how and when to give the information, and how to assess parents' understanding of the information. Professionals who are skilled at communicating with and caring for parents who experience a loss should serve as mentors for their colleagues to ensure the ongoing availability of competent clinicians.