The experiences of mothers who lost a baby during pregnancy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of mothers who lost a baby during pregnancy and care given by doctors and midwives during this period.
 
 <b>Opsomming</b>
 Die doel van die studie was om die ervaring van moeders met betrekking tot die dood van ‘n baba tydens swangerskap te verken en te beskryf, asook die versorging wat hulle van vroedvroue en dokters gedurende die periode ontvang het.
 
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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.…”

Psychosocial Implications of Stillbirth for the Mother and Her Family: A Crisis-Support Approach

“…Grief following miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is particularly susceptible to being disenfranchised, as only parents have “known” the baby, felt it move, or observed it by ultrasound. Modiba and Nolte (2007:4) reported that mothers who suffered perinatal loss expressed the wish that people should acknowledge their losses, be considerate and sensitive, be sympathetic listeners and offer emotional support. This contrastswith typical social norms, where the loss is considered of lesser gravity.…”

Psychosocial impact of mothers with perinatal loss and its contributing factors: an insight

“…Parents who have experienced perinatal loss may feel hardship and face difficult time during this period. Modiba and Nolte (2007) reported that mothers with perinatal loss expressed their wishes that people should acknowledge their losses, be considerate and sensitive, and give them a listening ear and emotional support. It was also mentioned in the study that health workers should provide the mothers with appropriate support.…”