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SANDS, The stillbirth and neonatal death charity, welcomes NICE publication of clarification statement on seeing and holding a stillborn baby
Following detailed discussions with NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) about their guidance on seeing and holding a stillborn baby (in CG45: Antenatal and postnatal mental health) Sands can confirm that NICE has issued an implementation guidance statement. The statement makes it clear that parents should be offered a choice about whether or not they want to see and hold their baby (full wording of statement can be found below).
The implementation guidance statement was produced after Sands (and several other organisations) voiced concerns that the guidance issued in 2007 by NICE (in CG45: Antenatal and postnatal mental health) on seeing and holding a baby after he or she has died could be open to misinterpretation.
A further revision to the wording in Understanding NICE Guidance: Information for people who use NHS services has also been agreed. This complements the guidance statement and makes it clear to parents that they can choose whether they want to see and hold their stillborn baby and that their health professional should support them in coming to a decision that is right for them (full wording of statement can be found below).
Judith Schott, Improving Bereavement Care Manager, Sands: “We spoke to NICE about our concerns over the guidance on seeing and holding a stillborn baby. We are delighted that following these fruitful discussions, the wording for both the clinical guideline and information for those using NHS services now make it crystal clear that parents should be sensitively offered a choice and their decision supported by their health professional.
“17 babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth every year in the UK, leaving over 6,500 families having to face the stark reality of life without their precious babies, but also having to make difficult choices following their baby’s death. Few parents think to ask to create memories or know what is possible. It is therefore essential that these choices are offered while there is still time to do them. The clarification of the guidance should make it easier for those caring for the bereaved parents and the parents themselves to make properly informed choices regarding seeing and holding their baby.”
CG45 Antenatal Postnatal Mental Health Guideline – clarification statement:
NICE recommendation 1.3.1.4 currently says:
Mothers whose infants are stillborn or die soon after birth should not be routinely encouraged to see and hold the dead infant. These women should be offered an appropriate follow up appointment in primary or secondary care.
Clarification statement:
“This recommendation is not intended to suggest that women should not be given the choice of seeing and holding their baby but rather that they should not be routinely encouraged to take up this choice if they do not wish to.
In line with patient-centred care it is expected that treatment and care should take into account the woman’s individual needs and preferences. Sensitive support will be required in offering this choice or other choices such as seeing or holding the baby with other family members present. Current evidence suggests that seeing and holding the baby is not beneficial for everyone and if women do not wish to see or hold their baby they should not be encouraged to do so.”
Understanding NICE Guidance: Information for people who use NHS services – updated guidance:
Although most babies are born healthy, sadly some babies die. If your baby is stillborn or dies soon after birth, it is your choice whether or not you wish to see or hold your baby, and your health professional should support you in making this decision. There is some evidence to suggest that seeing and holding the baby may not be helpful for everyone. You should not be routinely encouraged to see and hold your baby if you do not wish to. You should be offered a follow-up appointment either at the hospital or through your GP.
Please follow the link to NICE website for further information http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG45
> Please click here to view Sands' website
Last Updated: 06/25/2010 | Source: SANDS - Press Release - 25 June 2010
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