Pregnancy Care: An Apprenticeship for Palliative Care?

Be readily available

Provide effective and timely pain relief

Address relational and spiritual suffering

Address emotional suffering (fear, realization that there is no turning back, exhaustion, helplessness)

Provide accurate and relevant information about the process to patient and family members

Respect cultural and religious customs and rituals surrounding the event

Recognize the situations requiring action and those requiring patience

Accept and encourage the presence of loved ones at the bedside

Recognize that birthing and dying are unique to each individual and family; avoid a “cookbook” approach

Understand that trust in the caregivers is important in achieving a desirable outcome

Recognize that effective management enhances positive memories for the patient, family, and caregivers