Support After Stillbirth and Its Effect on Parental Grief Over Time

Abstract

In this study the authors describe parents' experiences of support over a 2-year period after a stillbirth and its effect on parental grief. Data was collected by questionnaire from 33 mothers and 22 fathers at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after a stillbirth. Midwives, physicians, counselors, and priests--at the hospital where the stillbirth occurred--are those on the front line providing professional support. The support from family and friends was seen to be important 2 years after the stillbirth. The need for professional support after stillbirth can differ, depending on the support provided by family, friends, and social networks. They may not fully realize the value of their support and how to be supportive. Printed educational materials given to individuals in the social network or family might therefore be helpful.

The impact of stillbirth on consultant obstetrician gynaecologists: a qualitative study

“…Parents place high expectations on the professional capacity of their consultant to monitor their baby through pregnancy to a successful birth. The diagnosis that a baby will not survive or has already died in utero brings with it a bewildering array of emotional distress where birth and death collide with life‐lasting impact for the parents . How parents are cared for during this delicate time can have long‐lasting consequences, both positive and negative .…”

The provision of spiritual and pastoral care following stillbirth in Ireland: a mixed methods study

“…The diversity of practice among chaplains would also benefit from a standardised approach so that all bereaved parents receive a consistently high level of care and support following the death of their baby. Many published studies have demonstrated the importance of mementos and the creation of memories for bereaved parents 7 15 21 24–26. The provision of spiritual and religious mementos form part of the overall tapestry of meaning making and ritual for families and are important vehicles of grieving and hope 5 6 17 27–31.…”

Mother’s Experiences and Perceptions of a Continuous Caring Model with Fathers after Caesarean Section: A Qualitative Study

“…The overall results of this study are consistent with the findings of previous literature reviews 1,2 including smaller interview studies. 23,24,[26][27][28] This indicates that a comprehensive picture has been captured. The uniqueness of this study is the Chilean context and this means that the results can be transferred to other Chilean hospital contexts.…”