Understanding mothers’ experiences of positive changes after neonatal death

Abstract

Background: The death of a neonatal baby has the potential for parents to experience many negative outcomes. Post traumatic growth describes positive personal change from the struggle with a traumatic event. This has not been explored in this context.Objective: This study sought to understand the experiences of mothers whose neonatal baby had died; in particular, whether mothers were able to experience any positive changes in their lives since the death of their baby. The study also sought to explore what factors may have facilitated or prevented these changes.Method: Ten mothers were recruited, whose baby had died in the neonatal period between two and 10 years previously. Mothers completed semi-structured, one-to-one interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using Template Analysis.Results: Despite ongoing sadness, mothers recognized positive personal changes in their self-perception, relationships and life philosophy which were consistent with the post-traumatic growth model. Mothers also identified facilitators and barriers to these changes which were categorized into five themes: ‘Person-centred care’, ‘making sense’, ‘personal coping strategies’, ‘learning to live with it’ and ‘identity’.Conclusions: This study identified that the mothers made a conscious personal decision to cope with their experience. This is a unique finding which requires further exploration. Facilitators and barriers of growth both occurred as elements within the same five themes, indicating that all identified domains before and after the death have the potential to facilitate or to prevent personal growth. Importantly, these findings indicate that person-centred services, which are responsive to individual needs at all stages, are vital when providing maternity care in the context of loss.

Deepening understanding of nuanced identity within the transgender community through an exploration of posttraumatic growth.

“…Although high levels of psychological distress can occur simultaneously along with high levels of physical and emotional discomfort, substantial worldview changes or shifts also occur. Typically, PTG research focuses on those who have experienced tremendous and traumatic loss such as parents’ experiencing neonatal or pediatric deaths or those who live with chronic or terminal illness such as cancer, traumatic brain injury, Veteran-related posttraumatic stress disorder (see Jayawickreme & Blackie, 2014; Mattson et al, 2018; Rogan et al, 2013; Turner et al, 2018; Waugh et al, 2019), and survivors of intimate partner violence (Counselman-Carpenter & Redcay, 2018).…”

Australian fathers’ experiences of support following neonatal death: a need for better access to diverse support options

“…There are often limited formal support options for parents after neonatal death and pregnancy loss, with primary supports including support groups and individual counselling [13][14][15]. Mothers have highlighted the importance of connecting with other parents who have experienced neonatal death to form an emotional connection and feel understood [16]. Peer support, particularly for parents in the NICU, can offer a shared experience in which parents can relate to each other and provide each other with comfort [13].…”

“…Previous research regarding informal supports suggests that information or emotional support from family and friends is an important factor in coping after pregnancy loss or neonatal death [19]. For example, in one qualitative study, mothers discussed the importance of others acknowledging their baby's life after neonatal death [16]. However, bereaved parents' friends and family may feel unsure about how to best provide support, particularly for pregnancy loss and neonatal death, which continue to have an absence of norms and rituals concerning grief [20].…”

Bibliometric analysis of post‐traumatic growth after childbirth

“…Changes in post‐traumatic growth involve three different areas: inter‐personal (in the experience of relationships with others), intra‐personal (in the awareness of self), and philosophical in life 29 . Post‐traumatic growth is thought to reflect changes in five areas 30 : (1) Selfperception, an increased sense of personal power; (2) Relationships with others change, and relationships are more meaningful; (3) New possibilities, the development of new paths or opportunities after a traumatic experience; (4) An appreciation of life for each day and the value of life; (5) Existential changes, a more prosperous existential and spiritual life. The WHO considers a “positive birth experience” to be an important endpoint for all women in labor 31 .…”