Key words: neonatal death, parents, grief, neonatal intensive care
Neonatal death is not an uncommon occurrence (18 deaths per 1,000 live births) and it constitutes a devastating experience for the parents. Adopting a psychoanalytic perspective, the authors identify and deal with some themes consequent to the death of a newborn child, such as: parents’ odd actions and reactions, confusion of feelings and thoughts, subsequent pregnancies, and the grieving process. Furthermore, since preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal death, the theme of death in the neonatal intensive care unit is debated. The presentation of a psychological support method aimed at promoting a healthy grieving process in parents is transversal to the various themes. The theoretical and clinical considerations described in the text are supported by the reference to findings from empirical research.