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An exploration of the experiences of mothers as they suppress lactation following late miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death
McGuinness, D Coghlan, B Butler, Michelle
McGuinness, D
Coghlan, B
Butler, Michelle
Advisors
Editors
Other Contributors
Date
2014
Date Submitted
Keywords
PREGNANCY
BEREAVEMENT
NEONATE
DEATH
MOTHER
BEREAVEMENT
NEONATE
DEATH
MOTHER
Other Subjects
Subject Mesh
Planned Date
Start Date
Collaborators
Principal Investigators
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McGuiness2014.pdf
Adobe PDF, 87.14 KB
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Breast Care Leaflet
Adobe PDF, 678.11 KB
Alternative Titles
Publisher
Abstract
Objective. To explore the experiences of bereaved mothers as they suppress lactation following late miscarriage (>20 weeks), stillbirth or neonatal death. Method. A qualitative, focused ethnographic approach was used involving in-depth interviews with 15 bereaved mothers, who attended a maternity hospital in Dublin. Data were collected from January to August 2012. Findings. Three key themes were identified: (1) suppression of lactation following the loss of a baby: silent tears; (2) mothering; (3) supportive care needs and the bereaved mother’s experience. This paper focuses on the first global theme. The majority of bereaved mothers found engorgement and leaking milk particularly challenging both physically and emotionally following the loss of their baby; especially as their baby’s funeral or wake took place during this period. The study highlights a number of areas where women could be better prepared for this experience. Conclusion. The findings highlight that the majority of bereaved mothers will require improved guidance and support with their breast care needs following the loss of their baby with awareness and sensitivity to their shortened motherhood.
Language
en
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PMID
PMCID
Sponsorships
The principal author is grateful to the National Maternity Hospital and the Irish Hospice Foundation for providing finance towards this MSc research study.