When a baby dies — whether expected or not — the emotional toll on families is profound, and Spanish experts say the healthcare system's response must match that weight. Neonatologists, obstetricians, psychologists, and grief advocates are calling for a more unified, humanized approach to perinatal bereavement care, emphasizing that a clinician's role doesn't end when the family leaves the hospital.

Central to this effort are practical tools like the CuddleCot (a cooling cradle that slows bodily changes after death, giving families more time with their baby), memory boxes with photos and keepsakes, and dedicated quiet spaces away from other newborns. Experts stress these are options — never obligations — and must be embedded within a broader, multidisciplinary care program that includes psychology, social work, and spiritual support. Consistent communication across all staff is also essential, so grieving parents don't have to repeat their story repeatedly.

Key Takeaways:

• Cooling cradles (CuddleCots) allow families more time with their baby but have no evidence of reducing complicated grief, anxiety, or depression — their value is qualitative and family-centered
• Follow-up appointments should be offered post-discharge to review test results and address new questions — and should never be scheduled in waiting rooms full of pregnant women or healthy newborns
• Training for healthcare professionals must include self-care tools, as dealing with perinatal loss carries significant emotional impact on staff

Why it matters: Spain has made progress in perinatal bereavement care, but access to resources remains uneven across hospitals and regions. Experts are pushing for national minimum standards to ensure every family — regardless of where they deliver — receives compassionate, consistent support during one of the most devastating experiences of their lives.