ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the options for care available to families of babies with life-limiting conditions as well as principles of palliative care considering cultural, spiritual and emotional dimensions. Midwives play a vital role in foetal assessment and diagnosis of life-limiting conditions in pregnancy, but also in bereavement counselling following diagnosis, as well as supporting parents in the planning and preparation of the birth and immediate postnatal care. Perinatal palliative care refers to the provision of services for expectant parents who receive a diagnosis of a life-limiting foetal condition which might result in the baby living for only hours or days, although some may live for much longer. Designing a care plan that is holistic but realistic is a challenge in itself; involvement of all stakeholders is essential and effective communication between members of the multidisciplinary team is vital if the care is to be provided in a seamless, cohesive manner.
