Exploring the impact of healthcare workers communication with women who have experienced stillbirth in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia. A grounded theory study
Culture; Emotion work; Grief; Healthcare workers communication; News-breaking; Stillbirth.
Communication and interaction with healthcare workers at the time of stillbirth remain in parents' long-term memories and impact on emotional and psychological well-being. Cultural attitudes and norms influence how stillbirth is acknowledged and discussed in society. There is limited evidence on how women from sub-Saharan Africa became aware of the death of their babies. This research explored how women perceived the approach adopted by healthcare workers when the news of their stillbirth was disclosed to them. Grounded theory study. Women (n = 33) who had birthed a stillborn baby in the preceding 12 months were purposively sampled and participated in in-depth interviews (9 in Zambia, 16 in Tanzania and 8 in Malawi). Informed consent was gained from all participants. Data were analysed via a coding process using constant comparative analysis. Women sacrificed individualized and personal grieving strategies to conform and behave according to what was expected within their community. An overarching theme of cultural conformity overrides personal grief incorporated four sub-themes: perceiving something was wrong , the unexpected outcome , experience contrasting emotions , bonding with the baby. Most participants embarked on a negative 'emotion work' to adapt and suppress emotions and grief due to cultural expectations. Inability to voice the trauma of losing a baby may lead to perinatal mental health issues and needs addressing. Maternity healthcare workers should encourage women to express their feelings and grief. Appropriate training in perinatal bereavement care including good communication, appropriate attitudes and provision of meaningful information to grieving women is recommended.
Actis DV; Lavender T; Laisser R; Chimwaza A; Chisuse I; Kasengele CT; Kimaro D; Kuzenza FD; Lyangenda K; Mwamadi M; Shayo H; Tuwele K; Wakasiaka S; Bedwell C
Women and Birth
2023
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2022.04.006" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.wombi.2022.04.006</a>
Experience of hope: An exploratory research with bereaved mothers following perinatal death
Bereavement; Hope; Hopelessness; Perinatal death; Qualitative research; Women
Problem The negative implications of perinatal death on mothers’ mental health are documented, however little is known about their experience of hope. Background Within the broader literature, hope has contributed to better mental health and bereavement adjustment and often bereaved mothers report the importance of hope for the grieving process. Aim This study aims to explore bereaved mothers’ experience of hope following perinatal death. Methods Individual interviews were conducted with 33 mothers having experienced the death of an infant in the perinatal period. Data from the interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings The mothers’ experience of hope following perinatal loss is organized into three themes: Hope disrupted by perinatal loss; Transformed hope: a new pregnancy challenged by the sense of foreboding of another loss; and Ways to restore and foster hope in life. Discussion Although hope has been a motivating force for mothers to reconnect with their life plan and move on after a loss, it is also negatively affected by the experience of perinatal bereavement, social support, and health professionals’ clinical practice. Conclusion Bereaved mothers have reported a disruption in their experience of hope. While some experience a loss of hope or a sense of hopelessness, others experience a transformation and restoration of hope, which is reinvested in the grieving process. Mothers’ experience of hope highlights the need for the support of a healthcare professional and may contribute to enhanced clinical practice through the promotion of bereavement care, considering the aspects that instil, maintain, and interfere with hope.
de Andrade Alvarenga W; deMontigny F; Zeghiche S; Verdon C; Castanheira Nascimento L
Women and Birth
2020
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2020.08.011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.wombi.2020.08.011</a>