Development of a Manualized Perinatal Bereavement Support Group

Perinatal loss is defined as the loss of an infant through death at any gestation of pregnancy (miscarriage, early loss, stillborn) up to 28 days after birth (Fenstermacher & Hupcey, 2013). Perinatal grief is linked to biosocial factors such as depression, anxiety, substance use, sleep disturbances, and PTSD. Unfortunately, perinatal bereavement support is limited for this specialized population. In 2022, 241 fetal losses (>20 weeks gestation) were reported in the state of Utah. Only two identified local support groups offer a focus on perinatal loss. An analysis of fetal loss data was collected and reviewed to identify the need for a Caring Connections Perinatal Bereavement support group. A review of current support groups and resources available to Utah parents was also tested. The original evidence-based Caring Connections grief support manualized program was revised and adapted to meet the needs of this specialized bereavement population. The 125-page Perinatal Bereavement Support manualized program was presented to Caring Connections for adoption into their program. Interventions: Creating 8-week grief support sessions explicitly focusing on perinatal loss. The Perinatal Bereavement manual has been adopted into the Caring Connections program. Once revisions and editing are complete, this manual will be reproduced for future participants and facilitators. Developing a Perinatal Bereavement manual to guide facilitators and participants during an 8-week support group can help lessen the burden of managing grief alone. Developing a Perinatal Bereavement Manualized Support Group to guide facilitators and participants during an 8-week support group can help lessen the burden of managing grief.