title: The Spiritual and Theological Issues Raised by Stillbirth for Healthcare Chaplains.
abstract: The death of a baby is one of the most challenging bereavements for parents and healthcare professionals. This study explores the spiritual and theological issues raised for healthcare chaplains as they minister with parents following perinatal bereavement. Chaplains from 85% of maternity units in the Republic of Ireland participated in this study. Suffering, doubt and presence were the main theological themes raised for chaplains following perinatal death. The process of theological reflection is recommended as a sustaining and necessary tool in perinatal healthcare ministry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland Daniel.nuzum@ucc.ie.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nuzum
authors.affiliation: National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Meaney
authors.affiliation: University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland.
authors.forename: Keelin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Donoghue
authors.affiliation: Home Mission Department, Methodist Church in Ireland.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Morris
mesh_terms: D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D002604:Chaplaincy Service, Hospital / Q000379:methods*; D002977:Clergy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000379:methods*; D029181:Spirituality; D050497:Stillbirth / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: CPE; bereavement; chaplain; perinatal; stillbirth; theological reflection