Candles in the Snow: Ritual and Memory for Siblings of Infants Who Died in the Intensive Care Nursery

Synopsis:

Abstract:  The objective of this study is to assess the developmental impact of surviving a sibling who dies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  Although death in the NICU often has a brief course, consequences for survivor siblings can be life-long.  Siblings born both before and after the death of an infant may be at risk and in need of psychological support. Family rituals and photos are important vehicles of communication, grieving, and memory for siblings and parents alike. Clinicians should allow siblings to be active participants in the infant’s brief life and death.

Source:

The Journal of Pediatrics

Vol/Page/Date:

2009;154:849-53

Resource Type:

Journal Article

Author/Source:

JOANNA H. FANOS, PHD, GEORGE A. LITTLE, MD, AND WILLIAM H. EDWARDS, MD