Holding the Baby

This poignant perspective piece by an obstetrician reflects on the emotional complexities of caring for mothers who experience stillbirth. The author shares personal and professional experiences, including her journey as a single mother of twins and her role in supporting a grieving patient, Ms. S., who lost her baby despite medical interventions. The narrative underscores the importance of allowing parents to hold their deceased infants for closure, challenging historical practices that avoided such interactions. The article also highlights the stagnant stillbirth rates in the U.S. and calls for compassionate, trauma-informed care in obstetrics.

This poignant perspective piece by an obstetrician reflects on the emotional complexities of caring for mothers who experience stillbirth. The author shares personal and professional experiences, including her journey as a single mother of twins and her role in supporting a grieving patient, Ms. S., who lost her baby despite medical interventions. The narrative underscores the importance of allowing parents to hold their deceased infants for closure, challenging historical practices that avoided such interactions. The article also highlights the stagnant stillbirth rates in the U.S. and calls for compassionate, trauma-informed care in obstetrics.