The Function of Ritualized Acts of Memory Making after Death in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

(1) Background: Some infants die shortly after birth, leaving both parents and nurses in grief. In the specific setting where data were collected, bereaved receive a scrapbook made by nursing staff NICU, box local parent support group. Making when an infant dies NICU can be regarded as ritualized acts. The aim of this study is to explore functions these acts making memory NICU. (2) Methods: Focus group interviews performed with experienced members Reflexive thematic analysis was used interpret data. (3) Three main themes constructed: “Making memories”, “showing evidence infant’s life parenthood”, “controlling chaos”. (4) Conclusions: Through scrapbooks boxes, collect create memories ascribe personhood, status parenthood. addition, ritualizing construct meaning, repair loss, relieve sorrow, offer sense closure for makers items.