Shoe String Budget for Perinatal Loss Program

Rationale for the program: The loss of an infant is a tragedy for any family.  Sensitive caring for the infant and family are essential.  L&D nurses generally consider intrapartum demise as an event that occurs at a tertiary care center or a high volume L&D unit.  However, at Montclair Hospital Medical Center, in the 2006 year, there were 17 patients experiencing loss (over 20 weeks gestation).  Montclair Hospital Medical Center is a small community facility with approximately 80 deliveries a month.  Hospital administration was unable to budget for proper training and supplies for an appropriate Perinatal Loss program.  This economic program was developed to provide insightful staff, suitable mementos, and improved patient care.
Purpose or objective of the program: (clearly identified)
The purpose of the program is threefold,
1.         Develop suitable mementos for the family experiencing a loss: birth announcement, letter for parents, informational pamphlets on grief for the entire family, footprint cards and molds, picture packets, appropriate sized handmade clothing, information on local area support groups, and information on area mortuaries that have special prices for families experiencing a loss. 
2.         Provide sensitivity classes for all perinatal nursing staff. 
3.         Improve patient care by implementing the program and instituting one follow up phone call with additional calls on an as needed basis.
Program Creativity and Originality: There are many vendors offering developed Perinatal Loss programs on the market.  However, without hospital funding these programs are out of reach.  This Perinatal Loss program uses homemade garments, computer generated printouts, memory cards, donated pictures and memory boxes. 
Description of major program outcomes:  Program outcomes to date include the development of mementos and pamphlets have been developed.  Staff members have been oriented to the available Perinatal Loss materials.  Two staff members have attended formal training in grief counseling.  Staff sensitivity classes are in progress.  Already in our limited time with the preliminary program, patients have reported that they felt supported and genuinely concern from the nursing staff. 
Timeliness of the program: This program is always timely. 
Relevance of program and implications for women’s health, obstetric, and neonatal nursing: All facilities must be equipped to appropriately care for families experiencing perinatal loss. L&D units without programs or budgets for marketed mementos can develop economic programs.