Caring for the bereaved mother : the midwife's perspective

Abstract

This study investigated midwives' knowledge of bereavement care, common bereavement care practices, midwives' educational needs, and the emotional difficulties they face when caring for bereaved mothers. Analysis of the literature revealed that midwives caring for bereaved mothers face challenges which are particular to the situation. Midwives cite lack of knowledge, lack of training, including in counselling, skills, and inadequate emotional support as the greatest challenges when providing bereavement care. As a result of this, midwives feel uncertain, overwhelmed and may be demotivated. A small-scale, descriptive study was undertaken to explore these themes. A convenience sample of thirty seven midwives working on Delivery Suite and Obstetric Ward 2 was chosen. Twenty seven midwives completed a self reporting questionnaire. Content analysis was performed to analyse data collected from the open-ended questions. The study showed that midwives possess knowledge of the grieving process, and provide physical and emotional care to bereaved mothers. In spite of this, many midwives still felt unprepared to care for mothers going through loss, and unsure if the care they provide is what mothers want. The majority of midwives would be interested in short courses related to bereavement and bereavement care. Midwives find it difficult to reconcile birth with death, and feel emotionally involved with bereaved mothers. They seek emotional support from colleagues, family, and friends and from other professionals, mostly psychologists. Midwives also reported using different techniques to cope with the emotional difficulties they face when caring for bereaved mothers. The need for a formal support system for midwives caring for bereaved mothers was evident in this study. Ongoing education and a structure which provides emotional support to midwives when caring for bereaved mothers seem to be the midwives' requirements in relation to bereavement care.