Caring For Yourself After a Loss

Standard postpartum discharge instructions often address how to manage discomforts of breastfeeding and contain information that presumes that a mother's baby is alive. This new brochure from Bereavement Services contains postpartum instructions that are tailored to the mother whose baby died. The writers provide information on managing the emotions and physical discomfort of lactation and not having a baby to breastfeed. They also address how the mother can assess her emotional well being. Sections on vaginal or cesarean birth, breast care, care of sutures or incision, and sexual activity. among others, provide a succinct guide to postpartum care for the bereaved mother.