Preparing for the Conversation:
Supporting Grieving Parents with Compassion and Cultural Sensitivity
When supporting parents—particularly those from vulnerable or diverse backgrounds—through the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth, or the death of a baby or child, thoughtful preparation is critical. Creating a culturally safe, respectful, and personalised environment helps ensure your care is compassionate and trauma-informed.
Watch the Video: Preparing for the Conversation
This video was co-designed with community members who have experienced the death of a baby. It offers guidance for health professionals to deliver culturally appropriate, compassionate care when supporting grieving parents.
Key Principles for Providing Culturally Safe and Compassionate Care
Create a Supportive and Private Environment
- Choose a quiet, private space where grieving parents feel safe and respected.
- Avoid rooms where other mothers and babies are present, and remove any potentially distressing imagery or clinical posters.
- Where possible, include soft furnishings or culturally meaningful elements—such as a cushion, wall hanging, or screen—to help families feel more at ease.
Be Intentional About Who Is Present
- Always check with the family before involving others in the room. In small or rural communities, there may be privacy concerns or cultural preferences around who is present.
- Don’t assume support people are wanted—especially if the mother is separated from her usual network of care. Offer flexible options, including remote support.
- Ensure that all staff who may interact with the family—nurses, anaesthetists, specialists—are briefed on the family’s situation to provide seamless, consistent care.
Include and Support Fathers
- Fathers are often unintentionally overlooked during bereavement care.
- Make sure both parents are acknowledged and supported.
- Tailor your communication and care to each parent’s needs.
- Use professional interpreters when needed, ensuring they match the family’s cultural and gender preferences to foster comfort and trust.
Downloadable Tools and Resources
We’ve also co-designed a suite of free downloadable tools to assist health professionals in their conversations with grieving families. These practical, easy-to-use resources are designed to:
- Support culturally responsive communication
- Offer clear, trauma-informed guidance
- Encourage reflection and self-care among professionals
Refer a Family to Red Nose Bereavement Support
If you’re working with a grieving family who may benefit from additional support, you can refer them directly to Red Nose using our secure referral form:
Make a referral
Complete our client referral form and a member of our Bereavement Support Intake Team will be in touch.
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