Parenting paradox: Parenting after infant loss

to gain an in-depth understanding of the parenting experiences of bereaved parents in the years following an infant death. an exploratory qualitative study. semi-structured interview in the participants’ homes. Data were collected over a five-month period in 2008 and analysed using thematic analysis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Midwifery 2011-10, Vol.27 (5), p.e163-e169
Main Authors: Warland, Jane, O’Leary, Joann, McCutcheon, Helen, Williamson, Victoria
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Attitude to Death
Australia
Bereavement
Fathers - psychology
Female
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Male
Mothers - psychology
Nursing
Parenting - psychology
Perinatal loss
Qualitative research
SIDS
Subsequent child
Sudden Infant Death
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult
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Summary:to gain an in-depth understanding of the parenting experiences of bereaved parents in the years following an infant death. an exploratory qualitative study. semi-structured interview in the participants’ homes. Data were collected over a five-month period in 2008 and analysed using thematic analysis. a purposive sample of 13 bereaved parents (10 mothers and three fathers) was used. Parents who had accessed the support services offered by two bereavement support agencies were recruited. Participants were asked to describe their experiences of raising their subsequent child. Interviews were conducted when the next born child was at least three years of age. the parents described a ‘paradoxical’ parenting style where they were trying to parent using two diametrically opposed unsustainable options. For example, they described trying to hold their subsequent child emotionally close but aloof at the same time. the results from this study indicate that the impact of a loss of an infant has far-reaching consequences on subsequent parenting. Support and early intervention at the time of the stillbirth and subsequent pregnancy are likely to be useful. However, further research is required to determine the extent to which early intervention can alter the tendency towards bereaved parents adopting a paradoxical parenting style. The impact of this style on mental health and the emotional health and well-being of the next born child/ren after perinatal loss should also be further examined.
ISSN:0266-6138
1532-3099
DOI:10.1016/j.midw.2010.02.004