It is also important for the nurse practitioner (NP) to provide support in a culturally competent manner. On way to accomplish this is to ask appropriate questions I am so sorry for your loss. How can I help you What are your traditions when an infant dies? Is there someone I can call for you? Has your family ever had this experience before? How did they handle it? Did you have a funeral service? Was it helpful?67 The NP should acknowledge the patient's feelings of loss, fear, and worry about the future. The patient should be encouraged to pay attention to her own physical care, including proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise, while she i recovering. Rather than others removing reminders about the anticipated baby, the patient should be supported in making her own decision about what to do with them. Creation of a way to memorialize the loss of the antici- pated baby, such as planting a tree, may facilitate grief. The NP can further assist the patient by encouraging her atient to tell her family and friends what she needs from them for support during this difficult time. Keeping a journal to express her thoughts may be helpful. e6 EP remains the leading cause of first-trimester mater- nal death and can be a physically and emotionally devas tating experience for a woman and her loved ones. An informed and sensitive NP has the capacity to prevent loss of life and to reduce the emotional trauma of this unexpected event.