Having Labour induced following the death of your baby

Firstly, we are very sorry for your loss.

Following the devastating news that your baby has died we understand that the information discussed with you and your birthing partner(s) may have been overwhelming.

Hopefully, this page will provide you and your family with the resources you need and some comfort to make decisions around your care, as well as a source of support and guidance in the coming days. We also hope it will explain and help you to understand the induction of labour process and help you and your family prepare for the birth of you baby.

We understand that some of the suggestions in this leaflet may not be suitable for every family but hope you may feel more informed and involved in your care.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the hospital or the Bereavement Midwife on 07525 906939

What happens now?

The doctor or midwife looking after you will need to take some blood samples and collect a urine sample. They will also need to take some swabs to help us to understand if you have any infections, and to check your iron and match your blood type.
The doctor or midwife will then explain the induction of labour process, what we offer at this hospital and what to expect during this time.

The first step

You will be offered a Mifepristone tablet that you take orally with water and helps to prepare your cervix for labour. It is a hormone that helps soften the cervix and stimulates uterine contractions.

Once you have swallowed the tablet, we will ask you to stay in the hospital for 30 minutes for observation. You will be given admission details for when you need to return before you leave the hospital.

When home, if you experience any vomiting within four hours of taking the tablet, please contact the hospital because you may need to return for another dose. If you do experience vomiting, we can offer you another drug to help with the sickness.

Mifepristone takes between 36 / 48 hours to take effect. We advise you and your family to take this time to help prepare for labour and birth, and although difficult, it may give you the time needed to think about how you may want to create lasting memories.

At home

You may experience movements in your tummy, like those you felt early in your pregnancy. These are called passive movements that are caused by gravity and your movements. They are not movements made by your baby which can be confusing and be upsetting.
If you have consented for Bereavement Midwife support they will call to go over the information given to you in hospital. They will answer your questions and help you understand what to expect when in labour, during birth and when meeting your baby.

If you experience any signs of labour

If you experience contractions (abdominal pains), bleeding, rupture of membranes (your waters breaking) and feel anxious, or need advice while at home, please contact either:

Central Delivery Suite (Scunthorpe General Hospital) on 03033 302270 or Blueberry Ward (Grimsby) on 03033 304789

Things to bring with you to hospital

• Comfortable clothes
• Toiletries
• Hairbrush and bobbles
• Maternity pads
• Breast pads
• Pillow/ blanket
• Chargers
• A playlist
• Money
• Snacks/ drinks
• Camera/ Phone
• Contact details for spiritual leader
• Medication you take regularly
• Birth plan

Items for baby

• Blankets
• Teddy
• Clothes
• Nappies
• Story books
• Wipes
• Hat

Creating memories

We will encourage and support you to make memories with your baby. We understand how difficult this will be at this time, but often these memories become your family’s most treasured possessions.
We can provide “forever memories” where possible, for you and your family to take home. These can include items such as a memory box, hand and footprints, casts, and professional photos; these will be personalised to you and your family’s wishes.

Labour and birth

Once you are admitted to the Hospital your birth partner(s) will be able to stay with you throughout the induction process and birth of your baby if you wish.

The midwives will provide one to one care and support and can call on the hospital chaplaincy team for spiritual care if you would like it.
The midwife will talk through your birth plan so we are aware what your birth preferences are, what you and your family would like to do following the birth of your baby, any questions you may have and orientate you to your surroundings. This may give you the opportunity to catch your breath before doing any clinically indicated procedures.

With your agreement, we would like to put a small butterfly on the front of your room
door (like the one on the pictured here). This lets all staff know about your sensitive situation and will hopefully avoid you being disturbed unnecessarily to give you and your family peace, space and quiet.

Once you are settled and agree to begin the induction, the midwife caring for you will need to take your observations. They will need to assess your cervix via a vaginal examination and place another form of hormone called Misoprostol next to your cervix. This medication will help your cervix soften and start to open (dilate) and will also help to establish contractions.

Your midwife may need to repeat an assessment of your cervix during the induction process. However, they will discuss this with you and your birthing partner(s) to gain your consent prior to the procedure. This gives the midwife the information they need to assess your cervix and if any further medication is required at that time.

Please feel free to ask any questions at any time. If your body is not responding to the medication, we will discuss this with you and give your body chance to rest. This may be for a period of up to twenty-four hours before starting the induction process again.

How will labour feel?

Contractions normally begin slowly and build up over time, becoming closer and more intense towards the birth of your baby.
Induced labour may be more intense than labour which has started naturally. If you have any concerns speak to your midwife who will support you with information on coping strategies and pain management, pain relief can be discussed and given whenever you feel you need or want it.

Following the birth of your baby

We will provide you and your family space and time to meet and care for your little one, to support you in making as many memories as you can, for example holding and cuddling your baby, taking hand and footprints / casts of your baby, bathing your baby, dressing your baby, taking photographs of your baby and your family together.

Your baby is yours; you do not need permission from us if there are anything you would like to do.

If you feel that you need our help, please ask the midwives, who are on hand to support you and help with anything they can. Should you wish to take your baby home, or go for a walk, this is something we can support and make all the arrangements for you.

Contact details for further information and support

After your discharge a Community Midwife will visit you at home and the Bereavement Midwife will offer you support with any investigations you have requested and follow up appointments. They will try to answer any questions you may have and offer support for both your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Community Midwives Contact Numbers

• Grimsby: 03033 305232 / 305231
• Louth: 01507 631210
• Scunthorpe Town: 03033 303088
• Brigg/ Barton: 03033 306860
• Isle / Crowle: 03033 306744
• Goole: 03033 304079

It is entirely understandable that you may not feel ready to engage with the issues at this moment in time, but you may wish to contact the Bereavement Midwife at some point throughout this period and following your discharge for advice and care.

Bereavement Midwife Mobile: 07525 906939

Email: [email protected]

The chaplains are also available for support and offer unconditional, compassionate care. They don’t come with ready-made answers. Instead, they journey with you and alongside you; they create a safe space for you to work through the things that are on your mind and will support you throughout this difficult time. You can contact the Hospital Chaplaincy Service on 03033 302489

The charities listed below are available for support:

Miscarriage Association – for those affected by miscarriage. Helpline: 01924 200799. Email: [email protected]

Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) – for those affected by ending a pregnancy
after a prenatal diagnosis. Helpline 0845 077 2290 or 0207 713 7486 from a mobile

Sands – for those affected by stillbirth or neonatal death: Helpline 0808 164 3332, email [email protected]

The Tamba (Twins and Multiple Births Association) Bereavement Support Group – support for parents and carers of multiples who have experienced loss whether it was during pregnancy, at birth or at any point afterwards.

The Lullaby Trust – raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice and offers emotional support for bereaved families.

TFMR Mamas (Termination For Medical Reasons) – Mamas to Angel Babies

Tommy’s – Together for every baby