The family physician's role following a neonatal death

The process of grieving for the death of a neonate is different from other grief processes. The family physician is in the unique position of playing a significant role in assisting families who are living through this tragedy. Even if the family physician has not been part of the prenatal care and delivery, he or she will continue to see the parents for weeks, months, and even years, long after most other support is gone. This paper outlines seven possible specified times when a family physician can intervene in aiding the couple through the evolving grief process.