Understanding Perinatal Palliative Care

Drs. Limbo, Wool, and Carter offer] well-articulated definitions, skills, and strategies based on sound evidence for providing this needed support in the perinatal and neonatal setting. . . . I applaud these editors and chapter authors in writing and bringing these materials together such that we are able to continue to change practice, so it is more holistic yet individualized to the unique needs of this baby and this family.

--Jacqueline M. McGrath, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN

Thelma and Joe Crow Endowed Professor

Vice Dean for Faculty Excellence, School of Nursing

University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio

From the Foreword

The Handbook of Perinatal and Neonatal Palliative Care is an extraordinarily comprehensive and well-written volume that should be read by every clinician caring for pregnant women and newborns. The case-oriented format of each chapter makes the volume readable and also useful as a resource in complex situations. This book spans all aspects of the clinical and compassionate care of patients, families, and caregivers. Written by experts from all clinical disciplines, including medical and surgical physicians, mental health professionals, nurses, therapists, and chaplains, it also shows great respect for and gives voice to the parents of affected fetuses and neonates.

--Alan R. Fleischman, MD

Professor of Pediatrics

Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health

Senior Associate, Center for Bioethics

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Children's Hospital at Montefiore

Bronx, New York

The first resource of its kind, this authoritative handbook holistically addresses the multidimensional aspects of perinatal and neonatal palliative care. Written by an interprofessional team of renowned specialists, it is both a text and an evidencebased reference for all members of the palliative care team. This book helps individual team members forge interdisciplinary approaches to care, assess current programs, improve the quality of care, and tailor new models of care.

Encompassing the perspectives of numerous multidisciplinary healthcare providers, the book underscores the unique aspects of perinatal and neonatal palliative care, with a focus on improving quality of life, as well as comfort at the end of life. It describes healthcare for neonates and pregnant mothers, care and support of the family, planning and decision-making, and effective support for grief and bereavement, addressing all palliative and neonatal care settings.

Other chapters focus on the prenatal period after diagnosis of the expected baby's life-threatening condition. These include such topics as care of the mother, delivering devastating news, and advance care planning. Each chapter contains photos, figures, and/or tables and case studies with clinical implications and critical thinking questions. Also included is an extensive listing of relevant palliative care organizations. Paintings and poetry provide an artistic backdrop to the authors' inspiring words.

Key Features:
• Addresses a growing need for specific provider resources in neonatal palliative care
• Covers the clinical and emotional aspects of palliative care for babies and their families
• Abundant resources for effective and compassionate family-centered care
• Case studies with critical thinking questions
• Accompanying video clips of healthcare and family interactions
• Supplemental image bank included

Defining Perinatal Palliative Care

Perinatal palliative care focuses on providing compassionate support to families facing serious fetal diagnoses. This care is essential because it allows families to understand their options, alleviate pain, and find meaning during a challenging time. The Handbook of Perinatal and Neonatal Palliative Care details strategies for delivering emotional, spiritual, and psychological support to both the parents and the newborn, addressing complex needs effectively.

Enhanced Communication for Better Care

Effective communication is crucial in perinatal palliative care. This handbook emphasizes the importance of having open discussions between healthcare providers and families. However, many providers may feel hesitant to initiate these conversations, which is why the guide offers practical techniques to create a supportive environment. By fostering trust, clinicians can better help families navigate their experiences and make informed decisions.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Support

The interdisciplinary model in perinatal palliative care benefits families by integrating diverse health professionals, including nurses, physicians, social workers, and chaplains. This teamwork ensures comprehensive care tailored to each family's unique needs. The handbook highlights successful case studies showing the effectiveness of this collaborative approach, demonstrating that interdisciplinary support can significantly improve the perinatal experience for families.