Responding to catastrophe: a case study of learning from perinatal death in midwifery practice
Abstract
Problem/background Perinatal death has far reaching emotional effects for all involved in this devastating event. The opportunity for learning as a result of this catastrophe, however, remains unexplored.Aim To explore midwives' experiences of caring through, and learning from, perinatal death, to better inform the effective planning and delivery of education that optimises both midwifery and self-care.Methods A naturalistic interpretive multiple case study design. Seventeen midwives, located in Australia, participated in an online group activity hosted as a blog, followed by telephonic focus groups and in-depth email interviews.Findings Thematic data analysis revealed seven major themes: Grappling with the reality of perinatal death; Struggling with personal and professional heartache; Seeking the space to grieve as a professional; Being with the woman and her family; Finding a new purpose; Strengthened through support; and Developing the courage to care.Discussion The initial turmoil and impact of loss reflected the catastrophic nature of perinatal death. Midwives uncovered a journey to acceptance and learning, realising a determination to enhance expertise and discovering value in experiential knowledge. Insecurity regarding competence and confidence to manage perinatal death and bereavement care was highlighted. However, sharing their stories revealed professional fulfilment, personal strength, and solidarity amongst midwives who have endured similar experiences.Conclusion A coordinated approach to support and the dissemination of experiential knowledge and learning could be developed within an online model of narrative sharing and discussion. Debriefing, support and sharing of expertise in this way may foster engagement within and beyond the workplace.
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Delivering quality bereavement care to parents can cause stress and anxiety for health care professionals, especially if they feel poorly prepared for this role.
“Delivering quality bereavement care to parents can cause stress and anxiety for health care professionals, especially if they feel poorly prepared for this role (Agwu Kalu et al., 2018; Laing et al., 2020).”
From Stranger in a mask” midwives’ experiences of providing perinatal bereavement care to parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland: a qualitative descriptive study (2022) · cites this paper as Laing et al., 2020
Providing compassionate bereavement care is challenging for health care professionals.
“There is widespread agreement that the provision of compassionate bereavement care is challenging for health care professionals (Jonas-Simpson et al., 2013; Nash et al., 2018; Laing et al., 2020).”
From Stranger in a mask” midwives’ experiences of providing perinatal bereavement care to parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland: a qualitative descriptive study (2022) · cites this paper as Laing et al., 2020
Colleague support is essential in providing emotional support to midwives practicing during the pandemic.
“Laing et al (2020) found colleague support essential in providing emotional support to midwives practicing during the pandemic.”
From Stranger in a mask” midwives’ experiences of providing perinatal bereavement care to parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland: a qualitative descriptive study (2022) · cites this paper as Laing et al (2020)
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- Authors
- Laing, R. E., Fetherston, C. M., & Morrison, P.
- Affiliations
- Murdoch University (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Laing, Robert E
- Venue
- Women and Birth
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2020-11
- Volume
- 33
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 556-565
- ISSN
- 1871-5192 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W3008356085
- Cited by
- 23
- References
- 42
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 2
- FWCI
- 0.89
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Women and Birth (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Murdoch University Research Portal (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Palliative and Oncologic Care
- Keywords
- perinatal death, midwives, grief, bereavement support, midwifery education, experiential knowledge, professional support, narrative sharing, debriefing
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Australia, Clinical Competence, Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate, Education, Professional, Female, Humans, Learning, Middle Aged, Midwifery, Pregnancy, Surveys and Questionnaires, Focus Groups, Qualitative Research, Perinatal Death
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