The loss of a baby brings overwhelming grief. Whether it happens before or shortly after birth, the impact is devastating and often lasts for years. Yet, parents are often unable to access the professional help they need. This book provides a sympathetic and expert explanation of the common recognized causes, along with important information concerning parents' rights, including difficult topics as post mortems and inquests. It covers parents' reactions, not least feelings of anger, particularly where parents blame professionals for their loss, and the relationship difficulties that often follow the loss of a baby. This book also provides a guide to good practice for professionals, particularly in the area of stillbirth. the law - changes to legal definitions of stillbirth the duty of health professionals to conduct investigations practical guidance and advice the effect on a relationship grief and how it manifests coping with anxiety and depression support from friends and relatives how other children in the family may be affected prevention and treatment - future pregnancies Professor Gournay, who himself lost a child to stillbirth, and distinguished midwife Dr Brenda Ashcroft, offer understanding of what it means to go through this bereavement, and healing advice on how to make sense of it.

About the Author
Professor Kevin Gournay, CBE is Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, and the author of several Sheldon books. He is a government adviser and expert witness, a consultant to the World Health Organization, and lead investigator and reporter on multiple reports on cases of stillbirth and perinatal death. He has covered a very wide range of research and is renowned for his work with patients suffering the effects of trauma, and with dying patients and their families. His professional interest in stillbirth stems from loss of his own child to stillbirth (at 40 weeks) in 1985. Dr Brenda Ashcroft is lecturer in midwifery/ethics and law at University of Salford. She is a distinguished midwife and an expert witness. She has a specialist interest in risk on the labour ward, and has investigated a large number of cases involving stillbirth and perinatal death, where negligence has been addressed. She has contributed to the work of SANDS and presented her work to government organisations.

Reviews
"Our priority must be to provide appropriate support to the parents who are experiencing loss: that is why books like this one are so important." * Vicky Foxton, MP *
"Gives an insight into grief, and on what may help in living with the loss. Midwives and maternity staff may also find this book useful to appreciate some of the challenges facing parents." * Gail Johnson, Professional Adviser, Royal College of Midwives *



Book Information
ISBN 9781847094674
Author Professor Kevin Gournay
Format Paperback
Page Count 132
Imprint Sheldon Press
Publisher John Murray Press