Stillbirth and Infant Loss

Nothing can prepare you for the loss of your baby. Stillbirth and neonatal (newborn) death are devastating for you, your partner and your family. If you have experienced a loss, we understand what you are going through and are here to support you as you work through your grief. It’s important to remember that this isn’t your fault, and you are not alone.

Loss of an infant can occur during pregnancy or at the time of delivery. Stillbirth is defined as the loss of a baby in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It affects about 1% of all pregnancies in the United States. Loss of an infant can also happen after delivery or during a brief or extended stay in the NICU. These losses result in expected grief as well as severe or prolonged depression and anxiety in some women.

Support from a partner, family and friends is vital to anyone going through this loss but sometimes professional help is also needed. If your grief is affecting your ability to function on a day-to-day basis, our reproductive psychiatry experts are here to help.

What to expect at your first visit

Your first visit will include a complete mental health evaluation with one of our reproductive psychiatry specialists. We will discuss your history and your experience with infant loss. We will also ask about your past experiences with trauma, anxiety or depression that may be impacting your mental health.

This visit will help us understand your situation and symptoms to develop a unique treatment plan.

Treatment options could include:

• Mental health therapy
• Community support
• Medication

In some cases, women may benefit from the short-term use of medication for symptoms of anxiety, insomnia or depression. Our reproductive psychiatry specialists will work with your primary care or OB-GYN provider to coordinate your treatment plan. We welcome a supportive family member to attend the visits with you.

Our team knows that attending appointments can be challenging during pregnancy and postpartum. For this reason, all our services are available through Telehealth, so you can get the support you need from the comfort of your own home. We accept self-referrals, or your doctor may refer you.

Why you should choose Nebraska Medicine

Stillbirth and infant loss often occur suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving you and your loved ones to cope with the shock. We are here to support you with compassion and understanding as you grieve.

The Nebraska Medicine Reproductive Psychiatry program is the regional leader in treating reproductive women with mental health concerns. Our reproductive psychiatry specialists have the education and specialized skills needed to support those who experience infant loss. Our services include psychiatric assessment and treatment, mental health therapy, medication management, social work support and connection to community resources.