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Development of the TEARDROP Pin
The TEARDROP has become the recognised symbol of pregnancy loss at Cork University Maternity Hospital. Initially designed in 2009 as a communication tool for multidisciplinary staff to alert colleagues when a pregnancy loss had occurred, the TEARDROP has evolved from a discreet alert symbol to one which promotes excellence in perinatal bereavement care.
It also fulfils a recommendation in the Health Service Executive National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death for an identifiable symbol for pregnancy loss to be displayed. The TEARDROP is now used as a clearly identifiable logo across our pregnancy loss services and since 2012 has become the identity of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group.
Following the successful implementation of the TEARDROP (Teaching, Excellent, pArent, peRinatal, Deaths-related, inteRactions, tO, Professionals) multidisciplinary perinatal education programme, the TEARDROP pin was introduced in April 2023 and given to all staff who have completed the training.
Staff are encouraged to wear their TEARDROP pin as bereavement care champions and to highlight the importance of bereavement care and awareness in the maternity services.
