Experiences and needs of Nigerian women after stillbirth

Abstract

Contrary to general beliefs, most women wished to see the body of their stillborn infant and many desired to hold them.

Parents’ and healthcare professionals’ experiences of care after stillbirth in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review and meta‐summary

“…Positive community support, as opposed to stigmatisation and blame, can improve bereavement experience . (FES 68%): Women who experienced emotional and material support from society, including family, friends, religious, and peer support groups reported lower perinatal grief and depression scores.…”

“…Women's experience of grief has multiple manifestations often unrecognised by the healthcare community and wider society . (FES 65%): Women across all cultures experienced grief that manifested as physical symptoms, such as fatigue and pain, and emotionally, in the form of sadness, anxiety, guilt, confusion, and anger.…”

“…Awareness of, and support for, appropriate coping mechanisms can assist grieving . (FES 65%) : A range of coping mechanisms that women found beneficial were reported, including religion and faith, distraction, family support, peer groups, self‐medication, and traditional remedies.…”

“…Women may experience devaluation and stigmatisation as a result of cultural practices and beliefs . (FES 47%): In the included LMIC studies, progressive social attitudes and empowerment of women were associated with ability to express and manage grief.…”

Seeing and Holding Baby: Systematic Review of Clinical Management and Parental Outcomes After Stillbirth

“…We also employed strict exclusion criteria in respect to gestation age. Three papers were excluded because they did not state gestational age . A further six papers were excluded because results were not categorized by gestational age and the authors were unable to determine the results corresponding to births > 20 weeks' gestation .…”