Helpful Hints for Caregivers - from Share Message Boards, November 2005
Most Treasured Mementos
Digital Pictures
Hand and Foot Prints
Blanket
Castings
Bonnet/Hat
Lock of Hair
Books, Pamphlets, Info
Cloths (Gown, Booties, T-shirt)
Blood Pressure Cuff
Diaper
Bracelet/Wristband
Measuring Tape
Stuffed Animal(s)
Angel Pin
Bath Bottle
Birth Book
Certificate of Birth
Comb
Eye Covers
Ring
Syringe
Ultrasound Films
Washcloth with Blood
Wreath from Door
Things That Were Most Helpful At The Time of Loss
Compassionate Staff
Allowed Time With Baby/Family
Cried With Us
Hand Holding
Provided Books and Info for Family
Placed Indicator of Loss on Door
Provided Post-Loss Room Away from Labor/Delivery
Said I’m Sorry
Acknowledged Loss
Excellent Baby Care and Respect
Included Family in Decision Making
Attended Funeral
Lenient Rules re: number of Visitors
Given Memories
Given Moses Basket
Visits by Pediatrician
Allowed Pictures in OR
Prayed with Family
Allowed Priest in OR to baptize
Provided Bed for Husband
Allowed Time for Decisions
Things That Could Be Improved At The Time of Loss
Provide Digital Pictures Family/Baby – Unlimited Number – Not Polaroid
Provide Time With Baby – As Much As Wanted
Provide Mementos Touched By Baby
Insensitive Staff – Doctors/Nurses
Provide Hand and Foot Prints
Provide Castings
Need Local Support Groups
Provide Bereavement Services/Social Worker at the Hospital
Provide Baby’s Hair
Provide Opportunity/Information re Baby Viewing by Family, Dressing/Bathing Baby, etc.
Provide Post-Loss Room Away From Labor and Delivery
Provide Information re Baptism
Ask - Don’t Assume Chaplain/Social Worker are Wanted
Provide Compassion for Hospital Expense Billing/Payment Post-Loss
Keep Mother’s Chart in Her Room
Need Compassion From Staff
Offer Family Option of Cutting Cord
Provide Books, Pamphlets, Literature
Provide Journal for Family to Keep Log
Ensure Mother’s Physical Care Afterward is Provided For
Do Not Allow Residents in Room/OR - Experimenting on Mother/Baby
Ensure Experienced Staff is Available to Help Family Know What to Ask For
Provide Videotape of Birth
