SANDS updates guidelines

SANDS, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity, have released the 4th edition of of their guidelines.

First published in 1991, the guidelines have become a recognised tool in supporting professionals in achieving best practice in bereavement maternity care. The guidelines cover losses from early pregnancy, through to termination due to fetal anomalies, stillbirth and caring for very ill babies and those who are likely to die shortly after birth.

This edition has been endorsed by a wide range of maternity charities and organisations, and have been written with the support of research and widespread discussions from professionals, parents and supporting organisations.

The chief executive of SANDS, Dr Clea Harmer, commented that “We’ve made every effort to ensure that this is the most comprehensive and effective set of guidelines possible. We hope our plans to improve accessibility will result in increased engagement and more healthcare professionals feeling confident in the bereavement care they are able to provide for parents when a baby dies.”

Both hard copies and electronic copies of the guidelines are available here.