Handbook of Perinatal and Neonatal 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. The 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 shows great respect for and gives voice to affected families and their babies.

--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 evidence-based reference for all members of the palliative care team. The 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 neonatologists, maternal-fetal medicine and other physicians, neonatal and perinatal nurse practitioners, midwives, nurses in all sectors of perinatal care, and child life specialists, chaplains, social workers, genetic counselors, lactation consultants, and others, 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. It addresses all palliative and neonatal palliative care settings, including home care, and covers elements of comfort care, such as pain medication and oxygen.

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-focused questions. Some chapters also include supportive online materials, such as video clips of interactions between healthcare professionals and the family, demonstrating family support and clinician skills. 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:

• Comprehensive and authoritative knowledge from recognized leaders in the field
• 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