title: Development and Evaluation of a Peer Support Program for Parents Facing Perinatal Loss.
abstract: The purpose of this program evaluation was to understand the perspectives of peer parents and parents receiving support within a peer support program for perinatal bereavement at a midsized hospital within the midwestern United States. To document participants' perceptions of the program, a focus group was conducted with peer parents, and surveys were completed by both peer parents and parents receiving support. In this article we review our model of a peer support program for perinatal bereavement and report on parents' evaluation of the program. Recommendations through which other organizations can develop peer support programs for parents who have experienced a perinatal loss are provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Marriage & Family Therapy Program, at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT. Electronic address: rdiamond@usj.edu.
authors.forename: Rachel M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Diamond
authors.affiliation: Maternal Fetal Medicine Center and clinical coordinator for the Still Missed Perinatal Bereavement Program at Adventist Midwest Region/Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, IL.
authors.forename: Rosmarie E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Roose
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D015331:Cohort Studies; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D066087:Perinatal Death; D011247:Pregnancy; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States
keywords: bereavement support; miscarriage; peer support program; perinatal loss; stillbirth