E93: The Spiritual Domain of the Fourth Trimester

Across the globe, families welcome newborns with sacred traditions—such as baptism, christening, naming ceremonies, or rituals of blessing—that honor both the child and the family’s spiritual journey. At the same time, more than 2 million babies are stillborn each year worldwide, a heartbreaking reality that leaves lasting emotional and spiritual impacts on families. These moments of joy and grief underscore the deep role spirituality plays in the postpartum experience.

Rana Jawish, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry and faculty lead for the Stillbirth Center of Excellence, joins Kirtly Jones, MD, in the spiritual domain of the fourth trimester. They discuss the role of faith and culture in welcoming newborns, and how compassionate care can provide meaning and healing for families navigating profound loss in the fourth trimester.