Ghanaian Health Authorities Adopt New Measures to Help Parents Cope with Stillbirth Trauma

In a significant shift in healthcare practice, Ghanaian health authorities are moving to support parents who experience stillbirth by allowing them to preserve memories of their stillborn babies. Traditionally, stillborn babies were quickly removed from the sight of their parents to reduce attachment and ease the grieving process. However, evidence now suggests that this approach may actually exacerbate parental trauma.

New Approaches to Stillbirth Support

Inspired by practices in countries like The Netherlands, King of Kings Healthcare Services in Ghana has initiated efforts to help mothers create lasting memories of their stillborn babies. Techniques include taking pictures of footprints and handprints, as well as using the water method to preserve the baby’s body for a short period.

Stillbirth Statistics

Stillbirth is defined as the death of a baby after 24 weeks of pregnancy or during birth. Ghana has one of the best stillbirth rates in Africa, with about 12 cases per 1,000 live births. In contrast, the continent averages 21 stillbirths per 1,000 births, with countries like Nigeria recording 42.9 stillbirths per 1,000 live births. Alarmingly, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana recorded 32 stillbirths per 1,000 births last year, nearly three times the national average.

Expert Insights

Dr. Bernice Addom, Chairperson of Maternal and Child Health at the West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives (WAPON), emphasized the importance of supporting parents through their grief. She advocates for midwives to allow parents to see, hold, and create memories with their stillborn babies, recognizing the emotional attachment parents have formed over the course of the pregnancy.

Training for Midwives

A training program organized by Little Stars and Angel Babies in Accra has been initiated to educate midwives on supporting parents through stillbirth. The program includes training on the Netherlands method of memory preservation and psychological support techniques, moving away from simply referring grieving parents to psychologists.

The Netherlands Method

Charlotte van Noorlo, an obstetrician gynecologist nurse from The Netherlands, explained the water method, which involves placing the stillborn baby in a bowl or plastic container with water and ice cubes. This method helps preserve the baby’s body for up to seven days, allowing parents more time to create memories. Additionally, footprints and handprints can be taken using a stamp pad and cardboard, providing parents with tangible keepsakes.

Risk Factors and Awareness

Dr. Addom highlighted the risk factors for stillbirth, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension. She stressed the critical role of midwives in monitoring pregnancies and making timely referrals to prevent stillbirths.

Moving Forward

Ghanaian health authorities are committed to improving support for parents of stillborn babies. By adopting practices that allow parents to create lasting memories, they aim to alleviate the trauma associated with stillbirth and provide comprehensive emotional support.

This initiative marks a significant step towards more compassionate care for parents experiencing the devastating loss of a stillborn child, aligning Ghana’s practices with global best practices to ensure better emotional outcomes for affected families.

Source by Graphic Online