[Parental reactions after the death of their newborn infant]

A questionnaire was sent to the parents of 57 infants who died in 1985 while hospitalized in the Neonatal Department, Rigshospitalet. These questionnaires were sent 10-22 months after the death of the infant. 76% reacted to this contact. Information was obtained about how the parents experienced the immediate situation on the death of the infant, how the practical problems were solved, how follow-up and supportive measures were given and how this loss influenced marital relationships. Proposals are given as to how hospital staff can support parents by providing adequate practical advice, establishing contact with supportive persons outside hospital and establishing well-structured offers of talks in the hospital during the first weeks after the death of the infant and again in the case of a new pregnancy. Midwives, doctors and nurses should be particularly aware of the problems which these parents experience in subsequent pregnancies and deliveries.