ABSTRACT
The expectation of the "quick fix," the instant remedy, is a frequently encountered obstacle to grieving. The experience of grieving inevitably leads people to feel vulnerable, helpless, and dependent. This inability to tolerate those feelings of helplessness and dependency is another obstacle to grieving. There are many fears that bereaved parents may experience after the death of their baby, which can present obstacles to grieving; for example, they may be fearful of: feeling the pain, actively grieving, showing emotion, and seeing and holding their deceased baby. Social, cultural, and familial expectations, beliefs, values, conditioning, and codes of conduct influence and shape how effectively we grieve. Regarding any reproductive loss as unimportant can be an obstacle to grieving. The absence of a social network can be an obstacle to grieving and bereaved individuals who do not have such support, especially women who have had abortions, are at risk for developing complicated grief reactions.
