How to Provide Better Care After Loss
- Ana Vick
- Jan 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Experiencing the loss of a baby is a life-altering tragedy that no family should endure alone. The way healthcare providers respond in those moments of unimaginable grief can profoundly impact a family’s healing journey. Yet, many grieving parents recall facing barriers to bonding, a lack of compassionate care, and limited opportunities to create lasting memories with their child.
At PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, we are committed to advocating for changes that ensure no family feels unsupported during this critical time. We've created a simple, actionable guide for medical providers, policymakers, and birth workers to better support families after a loss.
Download our free "How to Provide Better Care After Loss" flyer here, and join us in changing the narrative of care for families experiencing stillbirth.
Additional Resources to help you care for families who have lost a baby:
Training for Providers
IMPROVE Online Training for Perinatal Bereavement (Free)
AWHONN Online Training & Resources for Perinatal Bereavement (Accredited)
Aaliyah in Action Trauma-Informed, Culturally-Competent & Anti-Racist Care in Perinatal Loss (Accredited)
PUSH Online Training for Pregnancy After Loss (PAL) & Rainbow Clinic Providers (Accredited)
Reminders & Guides
How to Provide Better Care After Loss (PDF in English & Spanish) - PUSH
Essential Information for Healthcare Providers - RTZ Hope
Quick Reminder: Do's & Don'ts When Supporting Bereaved Families - RTZ Hope
More Resources for Providers - RTZ Hope
Nurses' Letter: Tips for Bereavement Care (PDF)
Provider Self-Care Tips - PUSH
Books & Research Studies
Our Only Time: Stories of Pregnancy Loss w/ Strategies for Health Professionals by Amie Lands
Companioning at a Time of Perinatal Loss: A Guide by Jane Heustis & Marcia Jenkins
Meeting the Needs of Parents Pregnant and Parenting After Perinatal Loss by Joann O'Leary
Complicated grief after perinatal loss (Kersting & Wagner, 2012) Psychological effects of stillbirth (Cacciatore, 2013)
Stillbirth Facts & Figures - PUSH
Memory-Makers & Support for Patients
PUSH's Recommended Resources for Patient Families
Patient Self-Care Boxes: Aaliyah in Action
Free Bereavement Photos: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
Free Bereavement Outfits/Gowns: Little Love Foundation, Alana Rose Foundation,
Free Teddy Bears: Project Bear
Article: To Parents, From Your Delivery Nurse
PUSH Guide: Finding Answers After Your Loss (PUSH Guide)
Together, we can shift from reactive to proactive care, improving outcomes and honoring the memories of the babies we’ve lost.
#UnitedWePUSH For Families, For Babies, For Change!