Professional Standards of Perinatal Bereavement Care at Nigerian Teaching Hospitals: A Cross-Zonal Assessment

Perinatal bereavement, encompassing stillbirth and early neonatal death, is a profoundly distressing event for parents, and professional bereavement support from healthcare providers significantly influences parental psychological recovery. This study assesses professional standards of perinatal bereavement care at teaching hospitals across four geopolitical zones, covering University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (North Central), Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (North West), University of Benin Teaching Hospital (South South), and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (South West). A mixed-methods assessment used structured facility checklists and interviews with 40 obstetricians, midwives, and neonatal nurses. Formal perinatal bereavement protocols were absent at all four institutions. Dedicated bereavement rooms were unavailable at any facility. Provision of an explanation of the probable cause of death to parents was inconsistent, occurring in 52 percent of documented cases. Bereavement support referral to pastoral or psychological services was documented in fewer than 20 percent of cases. Memory items such as photographs or footprints were offered in only one facility. Professional recommendations include development of standardised perinatal bereavement protocols, bereavement support training for obstetric staff, designation of bereavement rooms, and peer support group linkage for bereaved parents at all four institutions. Keywords: perinatal bereavement, stillbirth, bereavement care, teaching hospital, Nigeria