Bereavements

If your nurse says they do want photos, you will ask clarifying questions to get as much information about the room as possible. 

Questions: 

• What is the gestation of baby? 

• How are the parents?

• Is there anything I need to know before I go in? 

• Is someone available to assist me if needed? 

Here are some thoughtful, compassionate phrases you can use when working with parents experiencing loss: 

1. Acknowledging the Loss:

   • "I am so sorry for your loss. Your baby is beautiful, and it’s an honor to help you create these memories."

   • "I know this is a difficult time, and I’m here to support you in any way I can."

2. Offering Reassurance:

   • "You don’t need to worry about anything. I’ll guide you through this process step by step."

   • "This session is for you and your family—please let me know if there’s anything special you’d like to include."

3. Focusing on Their Baby:

   • "Your little one is so precious. We’ll take our time to capture these moments in a way that feels right for you."

   • "If you’d like, we can incorporate anything that’s meaningful to you, such as a blanket or keepsake."

4. Encouraging Involvement:

   • "Would you like to hold your baby during the photos? We can capture these moments however you feel comfortable."

   • "If there’s something specific you have in mind, please share. This is all about creating a memory that feels personal."

5. Expressing Care:

1. • "Thank you for trusting me to capture these moments. Your baby’s memory will always hold a special place."

   • "If you need anything at all, I’m here to support you."

6. Providing Reassurance:

1. • "I’ve taken great care to create images that honor your baby and your family’s love."

   • "Please take all the time you need to review the photos. There’s no rush."

7. Acknowledging Their Strength:

1. • "I admire your strength in allowing me to be part of this process. It’s a testament to the love you have for your baby."

   • "These photos are a tribute to your little one and the love that will always remain."

Tone and Delivery Tips:

• Gentle and Calm: Keep your tone soft, slow, and soothing.

• Empathetic Body Language: Make eye contact when appropriate, offer a comforting presence, and avoid rushed movements.

• Adapt to Their Needs: Let the parents lead the session emotionally—some may wish to talk, while others may prefer silence.

Tips for Bereavement Sessions

Before the Session

1. Prepare Yourself:

   • Approach the session with empathy and professionalism.

   • Familiarize yourself with any family details shared by the hospital staff.

   • Ensure your equipment is ready to minimize distractions during the session.

2. Understand the Parents’ Needs:

   • Communicate with the hospital or family liaison to understand cultural, religious, or personal preferences.

   • Respect the family’s decision if they wish to limit or exclude certain aspects of the session.

3. Set an Empathetic Tone:

   • When meeting the family, offer condolences with a heartfelt statement, such as, “I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s an honor to help you create these memories.”

   • Be mindful of your body language; approach with calm and gentle movements.

During the Session

1. Start Slowly:

   • Explain the process briefly and reassure the parents that you’ll guide them at their pace.

   • Offer flexibility: “We can take breaks or stop at any time—whatever feels right for you.”

2. Respect the Family’s Comfort Level:

   • Ask permission before touching or repositioning the baby.

   • Allow parents to decide how involved they’d like to be in the session (e.g., holding their baby, being in the photos, or observing).

3. Capture Meaningful Details:

   • Focus on the baby’s hands, feet, face, or any special features.

   • Incorporate personal items (e.g., a blanket, toy, or keepsake) if provided.

   • Photograph the family together if they wish, emphasizing their connection.

4. Keep Communication Gentle and Positive:

   • Use phrases like:

     • "Your baby is so beautiful."

     • "These moments will honor your little one’s memory."

     • "Take all the time you need."

After the Session

1. Express Gratitude and Care:

   • Thank the parents for allowing you to create these images.

   • Offer reassurance: “I’ve taken great care to create photos that reflect your love for your baby.”

2. Follow-Up:

   • Provide clear instructions on how they will receive the images.

Professional Conduct

1. Confidentiality:

   • Treat all bereavement sessions with the highest level of privacy.

   • Never share photos or details without explicit written consent.

2. Emotional Self-Care:

   • Recognize the emotional weight of these sessions; debrief with a trusted colleague or supervisor if needed.

   • Take breaks as necessary to maintain your ability to provide compassionate service.

What to Avoid

• Avoid Overly Cheerful Comments:

  • Do not say: “At least you have other children” or “Time will heal.”

• Do Not Rush:

  • Allow the family as much time as they need during the session.

• Avoid Unsolicited Advice:

  • Focus on being present and supportive, not on offering solutions.

Process for Bereavement Sessions: 

• Roughly 10 images. You are welcome to include more, 10 is a rough minimum. 

• Use your best judgment if you need to deliver them in color or black and white, you can also include both if wanted. Sometimes younger gestation babies can be unnaturally red or purple which can be hard for the parents to see.  

• We focus on lifestyle (if parents want to be involved) or Fresh48. Each situation will be different, but we do not include traditional posed images. Its easiest to have a nurse move baby as babys skin can peel with touch. 

• Try to include memorabilia if the hospital has any. Some hospitals will have memory boxes. It is important that whatever you include, you get images of it touching baby so the parents can take that home. 

• We do not charge for these sessions, they are completely complimentary. 

• They will fill out a WNB Bereavement Consent form, either e-sign on the Dashboard or paper. Whichever works better for your situation.  

• Advise the parents that they will get an email within 72 hours.