Role and tasks of the midwife as a member of the hospice perinatal care team

Abstract

An unsuccessful prenatal diagnosis is a traumatic experience for parents expecting the birth of a child. Hospice Perinatal Care is aimed at families who are experiencing an unsuccessful prenatal diagnosis. It is a form of help and support by providing individualised care to the woman and her loved ones, tailored to their needs and expectations. One member of the hospice perinatal care team is the midwife. The aim of this article is to present the role of the midwife and the tasks of individual specialists in the therapeutic management of a pregnant woman with a prenatally diagnosed lethal defect in the fetus. The role and tasks of the midwife as a member of the team taking care of a pregnant patient with a diagnosed fetal lethal defect is primarily to accompany the woman during this difficult period, provide emotional support and prepare parents for the birth of a sick child and focus activities on the real needs of parents and adapt to their expectations.