Development of a Midwifery Postpartum Clinical Guideline Following a Term Stillbirth

Abstract

Many pregnancies and births bring joy and excitement, while some result in heartache and grief, as is often the case when the baby dies prior to labor and delivery, also known as an intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) or a stillbirth. Midwives are closely involved in care for these women during labor and delivery, but evidence-based care guidelines specific to midwifery care during the postpartum period following a term stillbirth are limited in the literature published in the United States. Due to the limited research aimed specifically at this gap in care, a midwifery guideline was developed based on 1) a needs assessment, 2) a literature synthesis, 3) review of current guidelines from professional medical associations, and 4) input from an obstetrician-liaison and the midwives working in a U.S.-based private practice setting. By following an established term stillbirth postpartum clinical guideline, midwives can offer evidenced-based care for patients utilizing their clinical knowledge with skill, empathy, and compassion.