A labor nurse named Sarah has shared a glimpse into the compassionate steps taken by hospital staff to help parents navigate the pain of losing a baby. Sarah, who works in a high-risk birthing unit, emphasizes the importance of minimizing further trauma for bereaved parents. In a video posted on Instagram under the handle @labor_junkie_rn, she showcases the special care provided to families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. Sarah prepares a special bassinet with a self-cooling mattress that allows parents to spend unlimited time with their baby. She also chooses a hand-sewn gown, provides memory boxes filled with mementos, and creates lasting memories for grieving families.
Sarah, who has worked as a nurse for 15 years, emphasizes the emotional toll that caring for bereaved families can take on medical staff. She explains that, while the majority of patients are open to receiving memory boxes, some may choose not to take them. Despite the intense sadness of the situation, Sarah finds moments of bittersweet connection with parents as they see their baby’s tiny footprints or familiar features in photos. The creation of memory items also serves as a way for nurses to cope with secondary trauma, providing them with a moment to process and acknowledge their own emotions.
The clip shared by Sarah has garnered significant attention on Instagram, with nearly six million views and thousands of comments. Users have expressed gratitude for the care provided to them after losing a baby, highlighting the impact of the compassionate gestures made by hospital staff. Some have shared personal experiences of being able to hold and love on their baby all night thanks to the special bassinets and memory items provided by the hospital. Sarah’s dedication to her patients extends beyond the hospital walls, as she uses her educational Instagram account to provide evidence-based information and create an empowered birthing community.
Sarah’s personal connection to the bereavement community stems from her own experiences with recurrent pregnancy loss and her family’s history of stillbirth. She emphasizes the importance of honoring bereaved families as an integral part of the birthing community. Sarah’s dedication to supporting grieving families and providing compassionate care has resonated with many, as evidenced by the overwhelming positive response to her video on Instagram. Her commitment to helping parents navigate the pain of losing a baby showcases the immense impact that empathetic healthcare professionals like her can have on those in need.
