Grief and psychosexual disturbance following the death of a young baby: Some issues for practitioners

Abstract

This paper explores how the experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and the death of that child may affect parents as individuals, the pair as a couple and their marital intimacy as is revealed in their psychosexual relationship. Several theories of grief are discussed. Three case examples are given, the latter of which highlights the issue of subsequent children. Issues for practitioners such as midwives, health visitors, counsellors in GP practices and psychosexual therapists are highlighted.