New service at Darmstadt Hospital supports parents and staff in stressful situations
Pregnancy and childbirth don't always go as planned. Complications, premature births, emergency cesarean sections, or stillbirths can be very stressful for parents. To support those affected in such situations, psychologist Lisa-Marie Loof the obstetrics team at Darmstadt Hospital.
The psychologist provides support to expectant parents, mothers, partners, and medical staff. She regularly participates in shift changes in the delivery room and on the postpartum ward, enabling her to identify women who need support early on. Midwives, nurses, or doctors often facilitate contact.
“It can be a great relief for my colleagues to know that I am taking care of the woman,” says Lisa-Marie Loof. At the same time, she is also available to the maternity ward staff as a contact person when they need to process traumatic events.
Space for fears and traumatic experiences
A key focus of her work is supporting women who have already had difficult birth experiences or who are approaching delivery with anxiety. Many of those affected feel their concerns are not taken seriously, Loof explains. Therefore, it is important to talk about traumatic experiences and give them space to process them.
Together with the families, she puts the experience into perspective, develops coping strategies and, if necessary, provides further support services for the period after the hospital stay.
She also consciously involves partners in her work. They are often exposed to strong emotional stress during childbirth and frequently experience situations with a feeling of helplessness.
Social media often conveys a false impression
The psychologist advises pregnant women to speak openly about their fears and to seek professional advice early on. At the same time, they should remain flexible, as the course of a birth cannot be completely planned.
Loof is critical of the portrayal of births on social media. He believes that an unrealistic picture is often presented there, which can put unnecessary pressure on expectant parents.
Psychological support will be expanded
The Darmstadt Clinic has been employing psychologists in its intensive care units for some time now. With the addition of this service to obstetrics, this support is now being extended to another sensitive area.
As a Level I perinatal center, the hospital also cares for pregnancies and births with increased risk. The aim is to provide professional support not only to the families, but also to the staff in particularly stressful situations.
(DARMSTADT – RED/KLINIKUM/ane)
