Death of an infant: parental grieving and the failure of social support
Helmrath, T.A.; Steinitz, E.M.
Journal of Family Practice 6(4): 785-790
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0094-3509 PMID: 641461 Document Number: 131753
Parents undergo intense grief reactions following the death of their newborn infant, but frequently fail to receive emotional support from their family and circle of friends. Because this response from family and friends differs from what occurs with the death of an older child or adult, this study was undertaken to explore the events and personal interactions that helped or hindered the parents following their infant's death. Alternations in familial and extrafamilial relationships are described in seven families with infant deaths, and useful support mechanisms are proposed.