Abstract
When introduction to life becomes an introduction to death This article focuses on how midwifes experience the situation when babies die in connection with birth. There is little research and litterature to be found within this field. The objective of this descriptive study, which is based on in-depth inter-viewes with six midwifes working at a large hospital, is to describe what midwifes find to be difficult when facing stillbirth. The midwifes participating in this study categorise stillbirth both as expected and unexpected stillbirth. The respondents where uncertain as how to balance between closeness and distancing to the parents. Some of the midwifes try to do whatever feels right, but they do not discuss these situations with colleagues. Neither do they discuss what reactions can be expected in midwifes when faced with stillborn babies and their parentes. Almost all of the respondents find it hard to face these situations. The respondents miss formal channels for receiving help in dealing with their own reaction to what has happened, and for discussing thoughts and problems. The midwifes found it difficult to give meaning to the experiences concerning stillbirth, both for themselves and for the parents.