Perinatal loss: a framework for practice.

Perinatal death is a crisis for women and their families. By using a conceptual framework to guide care, caregivers can facilitate grief and help the healing process. The framework described in this article is centered on the key concept of meaning or significance of the loss to the woman, her partner, family, friends, community, and society. The loss may encompass many meanings, and the meanings may differ from person to person. Sociocultural, spiritual, psychological, developmental, and physiological variables are presented. Goals of intervention include promotion of personal choice; support for decisions made; and promotion of dignity and respect for the woman, baby, and family. Intervention modes are supportive, informational, and facilitative.