and self-blame.2,4–6 Between diagnosis and birth, mothers can suffer
significantly.7 Waiting to give birth may even be more distressing
that the birth itself.8,9 For this reason, they need supportive and
sensitive care from maternity care providers from before confirmation
thattheir baby has died or will be stillborn.7 Recent research has
also focussed upon the impactthat stillbirth has on fathers and their
experiences of care provided by maternity care providers.10 Parents
are rarely prepared for the experience of stillbirth and may benefit
from information provided by maternity care providers in the
antenatal period.2,11 The negative effects of experiencing stillbirth
may be lessened by receiving care from care providers who are
trained and prepared to help parents cope with the tragic
experience.5–8,11–17 Research has found that parents’ negative
experiences and outcomes may be compounded, or in some cases
inadvertently caused, by interactions with maternity care providers
throughout the experience of stillbirth.2 In some cases, maternity
care providers may not be adequately prepared or trained to provide
the appropriate supportive and sensitive care required.3 Maternity