Trigger Warning: This episode discusses infant loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth. Please listen with care.

While at least 25% of stillbirths are preventable, stillbirth is almost never linked to parental behavior. Still, parents often blame themselves, wondering, “Should I have done this?” or thinking, “I shouldn’t have done that.” It’s a natural response––it's just what humans do. But families should be reassured: stillbirth is almost never linked to the behavior of the parents.

This is why we’re so honored to interview Dr. Bob Silver and Sarah Lopez, MHA, MPH, CPH, from the University of Utah Hospital and the Stillbirth Research Program at the School of Medicine.

In this episode, we discuss the research they’re doing in stillbirth detection and prevention, as well as their efforts to set up clinics and programs nationwide to better support at-risk mothers and families.

Some highlights from our conversation with Dr. Bob Silver and Sarah Lopez:

• Dr. Bob Silver’s expertise in high-risk pregnancies, stillbirth, and placental issues

• Sarah Lopez’s impactful research on stillbirth

• Understanding stillbirth and common misconceptions

• The roles of preventability and parental blame

• Global trends and ongoing challenges in stillbirth research

This is an important discussion about the realities of stillbirth and the work being done behind the scenes for families. Thank you for joining us in today’s conversation!

Quotes:

“People blame themselves and they wonder, “it's because I was stressed” or “I exercised,” or “I had sex” or “I had a beer,” or “I should have done this,” or “I shouldn't have done that.” and parents should really be reassured that stillbirth is almost never caused by any behavior––or failure of behavior––on the part of the parents.” – Dr. Bob Silver (6:35)

“I think dads get a little overlooked. Unfortunately, while we're focusing on mom’s physical health and well-being, dad is sometimes the silent, strong one, trying to keep it together for mom, so making sure that they have resources, too, is really helpful.” – Sarah Lopez (44:34)

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Links: 

Grief Support Groups: https://nationalshare.org/

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