A Tool to Support Childbirth Educators to Help Women Cope with Loss of a Pregnancy due to Domestic Violence

Domestic violence during pregnancy is associated with poor health outcomes for both the woman and her unborn baby including maternal injury or death. The developing fetus is impacted by the violence to the pregnant woman's body. This article reviewed the predictable cycles of domestic violence (Walker, 1978) as well as risk factors and the implications for childbirth educators working with women who may be in domestic violence situations. A simple model of compassionate listening is described that both supports and affirms pregnant women who experience the death of their fetuses due to domestic violence but maintains their safety.