For a patient requiring further psychological support after a stillbirth, the guidelines recommend offering a high-intensity psychological intervention if post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has resulted from the stillbirth NICE CG192. This intervention should be trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), in line with the NICE guideline on PTSD NICE CG192.
Following a stillbirth, it is important to discuss options such as seeing a photograph of the baby, having mementos, seeing the baby, or holding the baby with the woman, her partner, and family NICE CG192. This discussion should be facilitated by an experienced practitioner, and a follow-up appointment in primary or secondary care should be offered NICE CG192.
Referral to specialist services should follow clearly specified care pathways NICE CG192. Managers and senior healthcare professionals in perinatal mental health services, including those in maternity and primary care, must ensure these pathways are in place so that all involved professionals know how to access assessment and treatment NICE CG192. Staff should receive supervision and training covering mental health problems, assessment methods, and referral routes to enable them to follow these pathways NICE CG192.
Clinical networks for perinatal mental health services should be established, providing a specialist multidisciplinary perinatal service in each locality NICE CG192. These networks should offer direct services, consultation, and advice to maternity, other mental health, and community services NICE CG192. They should also provide clear referral and management protocols across all levels of stepped-care frameworks for mental health problems, ensuring effective information transfer and continuity of care NICE CG192. Additionally, women should be provided with information on where to access support and counselling services, including leaflets, web addresses, and helpline numbers for support organisations NICE NG126.