Experiences of perinatal death and parenting a live baby following stillbirth: A clinical psychology exploration

Abstract

This thesis explored parents’ experiences of baby loss through two research studies starting with partner experiences of perinatal death and then couples’ experiences of parenting a live baby following a previous stillbirth. It consists of three papers: 1) a meta-synthesis, 2) an empirical study and 3) a personal and critical reflection on the research process. The meta-synthesis (paper 1) is an exploration of partner experiences of perinatal death, including miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death. Five themes were developed to describe the ways in which a father experiences and copes with grief, trauma and distress following the death of their baby. This review identified unique concepts for a father in the aftermath of losing a baby. Clinical implications highlight the need for services to acknowledge a partner as a rightful recipient of support in maternity care and to involve them in decision making when concerning their baby. Future research is required to explore psychological interventions to support partners following miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. The empirical paper (paper 2) explored couple experiences of parenting a live baby following a previous stillbirth. Semi-structured interviews with 12 individuals (6 couples) explored lived experience of expectations and preparation of parenting, experience of parenting, and support with parenting. Interpretative phrenomenological analysis was used to produce four group experiential themes, with nine subthemes. Findings highlight unique challenges/opportunities for parents of a live baby following stillbirth. Clinical implications for maternity and psychological services supporting parents following loss are reflected upon, with recommendations offered to improve care. Paper 3 provides a critical and personal reflection of the research process. Existing literature and theories surrounding relevant topics are discussed, as well as challenges to the research process and the personal impact of the work on the lead-researcher.

Date of Award	19 Sept 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Debbie Smith (Main Supervisor), Anja Wittkowski (Co Supervisor) & Alexander Heazell (Co Supervisor)