Parents' perceptions of nursing support following neonatal loss

This retrospective descriptive study evaluated the perceptions of a convenience sample of 23 grieving parents who were members of Resolve Through Sharing in the southcentral United States. Data from two investigator-designed questionnaires were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Categories utilized were: acknowledgment of baby, education/information/written material, and general emotional support (communication/interventions). Interventions dealing with acknowledgment of the infant were reported as most beneficial. Others were rated as beneficial to varying degrees. It is imperative that nurses provide parents with research-based support to assist them in beginning a healthy grieving process.