ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the neonatal death, which, in comparison, is mitigated by the experience of having a live baby - and a little more time to think. Congenital abnormalities involve parents in exceptional conflict of revulsion and attachment towards the dead baby, towards themselves and each other. Issues related to genetic counselling provide opportunity to bring such difficult feelings and irrational fears into the open in addition to the contraceptive or obstetric issues that prompt such discussions or investigations. Continuity of care is important, and although one person should be in charge it is prudent to ensure that the mother is familiar with several central people in the team. During pregnancy, especially after a perinatal death, women are difficult to engage in formal psychotherapy, even when they seem to be clamouring for help and presenting the kind of psychological difficulties that would normally justify referral for psychotherapy.
