Miscarriage and Stillbirth: The Changing Response

The death of a baby - either near the time of birth or earlier in the pregnancy - and the impact upon the family members requires special insights and care. In the past this unique loss has often gone unacknowledged with parents being encouraged to forget their baby and try again. This book addresses the importance of marking the experience of pregnancy, however short it may have been. Bruce Pierce explores the nature of grief and the significance of ritual as part of the grieving process, and offers liturgical resources from the Christian traditions, from other faith traditions and from various support groups. Baptism, Limbo and Original Sin are also considered, and the author acknowledges the struggle between theological correctness and pastoral necessity. As care for the bereaved is now provided by a multidisciplinary team, the important roles played by each profession in a comprehensive response is examined. Miscarriage and Stillbirth , the changing response also provides insights into past and present practice and explore the evolution between the two. Miscarriage and Stillbirth , the changing response is a comprehensive, valuable and informative resource for healthcare providers, those in pastoral ministry and bereaved families.