Grief care for families experiencing perinatal loss: evaluation of bereavement booklet and angel kit

Aim<br> To assess the outcome of providing Japanese mothers and family who have experienced a perinatal loss with a booklet called Living with Grief, and the Angel Kit, which included keepsakes and preparations for parting with their baby.<br>Methods<br> A descriptive exploratory study design was used to translate research from the trial kit into feasible materials. Participants were mothers from five Tokyo maternity hospitals who experienced perinatal loss (such as abortion, intra-uterus fetal death, stillbirth, death of a newborn) between mid-May 2006 and May 2007. The main outcome measures were self-administered questionnaires developed by the authors which each mother completed. A content analysis approach was applied to the evaluation comments.<br>Results<br> Eligible mothers were hospitalized: 84 mothers trial-used the Booklet and Angel Kit, and 43 mothers returned the questionnaire. Forty-two mothers (97.6%) thought the booklet was helpful and very helpful. All mothers expressed appreciation and favorable comments about the Angel Kit. Five themes emerged for the Booklet: 1. To help relief and acceptance, 2. Understanding the experience of loss, 3. No feeling of loneliness, and sense of linkage to somebody, 4. Assurance of one's grieving pace, and that it takes a long time, 5. Knowing about personal differences in expression of grief. Five themes emerged for the Angel Kit: 1. The Kit was one of the few keepsakes, 2. Timely assistance and help in case of need, 3. Appropriate guide for memory-keeping and support to make decisions, 4. Treated the dead baby carefully like a valuable human being, 5. Made it easier to communicate with nursing/midwifery staff.<br>Conclusion<br> Both Living with Grief and the Angel Kit were evaluated well by mothers. The Booklet helped mothers recognize their grief and understand their cognitive and emotional processes. The Angel Kit helped with cognitive, emotional and behavioral activities of grief. They would be a good guide to the grieving process, therefore they can be of practical use.