Being a Parent: Findings from a Grounded Theory of Memory-Making in Neonatal End-Of-Life Care

Being a Parent: Findings from a Grounded Theory of Memory-Making in Neonatal End-Of-Life Care

Thornton R; Nicholson P; Harms L

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

2021

Infant; Bereavement; Photography; Parent; Newborn; Memory-making

PURPOSE: Neonatal palliative care guidelines increasingly recommend that parents be encouraged to provide care for their dying baby and to spend time with the before and after death. However, little is currently known about how parents perceive such memory-making interventions. This study explored the significance of memory-making for bereaved parents and the impact of memory-making on parents' experience of neonatal end-of-life care. DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted extended interviews with 18 parents who had experienced neonatal loss. Corbin and Strauss' grounded theory method was used throughout sampling, data collection and data analysis. A constant comparative approach was utilised throughout each stage of the data collection/data analysis process, resulting in the development of a grounded theory titled "Affirmed Parenthood". RESULTS: The core category of "Affirmed parenthood" was underpinned by three primary categories: 'Creating Evidence', 'Needing Guidance' and 'Being a parent'. Opportunities to parent the baby by having contact with them, engaging with them, and providing care were central to parent's experiences of memory-making in the context of neonatal bereavement. CONCLUSIONS: 'Being a Parent' provided important affirmation of the baby's identity and importance, and affirmed the role of the parents. 'Being a Parent' was a critical element of memory-making and had a significant impact on parents' experience of loss. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Parents should be supported to have unrestricted contact with their baby, to engage with them, and to provide care throughout the baby's brief life and after their baby's death.

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May 2021 List