Stillbirth
Response to Redshaw et al. Impact of holding the baby following stillbirth on maternal mental health and well-being: findings from a national survey
We believe it is not possible to reach a conclusion from the study by Redshaw and colleagues about whether the decision to see or hold a stillborn baby is harmful or helpful to bereaved parents. We urge healthcare providers to continue to offer women the option to hold their baby.
- Authors
Margaret Murphy
- Year
- 2016
- Journal Name
- BMJ Open
- Category
- Journal Article
- Keywords
- Stillbirth
- Full Citation
Gold KJ, Storey C, Siassakos D, Leisher S, Boyle F, Farrales L, Heazell A, Horey D, Cassidy J, Murphy M, Murphy S, Cacciatore J, Flenady V. Response to Redshaw et al. Impact of holding the baby following stillbirth on maternal mental health and well-being: findings from a national survey. BMJ Open. 2016;6(8):e010996. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/8/e010996.responses#re-impact-of-holding-the-baby-following-stillbirth-on-maternal-mental-health-and-well-being-findings-from-a-national-survey-bmj-open-201668e010996.
- Link to Publication
- https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/8/e010996.responses#re-impact-of-holding-the-baby-following-stillbirth-on-maternal-mental-health-and-well-being-findings-from-a-national-survey-bmj-open-201668e010996
Abstract
In response to the article by Redshaw and colleagues, we believe it is not possible to reach a conclusion from this study about whether the decision to see or hold a stillborn baby is harmful or helpful to bereaved parents. We call for research to gain a more nuanced understanding of the factors which contribute to parental experiences at the time of delivery and which may influence long-term mental health outcomes. We strongly urge health care providers to continue to offer women the option to hold their stillborn baby, and to make this offer in a respectful and supportive way.