ABSTRACT
This chapter emphasizes that attention is drawn to the detailed conclusions which are reached at the end of the individual chapters, and which present specific information relating to each stage of the experience parents go through. It outlines the general conclusions which may be drawn from the whole. Mothers' concerns during pregnancy and labour should be listened to sympathetically. Parents should be given full, frank information at each stage, sufficient to allow them to make informed choices. Respect, dignity, privacy and compassionate support should always be provided. The importance of taking into account the parents' own needs and wishes should be emphasised to all clinicians entering neonatal practice, using information such as that offered in this report to alert them to the range of tolerances and preferences. The implementation of changes recommended in this report should be carefully monitored.
