Australian fathers’ experiences of support following neonatal death: a need for better access to diverse support options
Open accessAbstract
Objective To explore fathers' experiences of support following neonatal death, including the availability and perceived adequacy of support, barriers and facilitators to support and desired support.Study design Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Australian fathers who had experienced the death of a baby in the neonatal period at least 6 months previously. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results Two overarching themes were identified: From hospital to home: Continuity of care and Self and community barriers to support. Fathers who could access the support they required found this to be beneficial. Overall, however, supports were perceived as inadequate in variety and availability, with more follow-up support from the hospital desired. Fathers highlighted limited opportunities to form emotional connections with others and a strong desire to talk about their baby.Conclusion Healthcare professionals and support organisations can more effectively assist fathers by increasing the variety of supports available and facilitating follow-up or referrals after hospital discharge.
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All too often, despite recommendations or guidelines, parents experience inconsistent implementation or a lack of continuity of care.
“Yet, all too often, despite recommendations or guidelines, parents experience inconsistent implementation or a lack of continuity of care.20,64,106,148,181,233,234”
From Bereavement care guidelines used in health care facilities immediately following perinatal loss: a scoping review (2024) · cites this paper as [106]
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- Authors
- Azeez, S., Obst, K. L., Oxlad, M., Due, C., & Middleton, P.
- Affiliations
- The University of Adelaide (AU)
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Azeez, Shazleen
- Venue
- Journal of Perinatology
- Published
- 2021-09-24
- Volume
- 41
- Issue
- 12
- Pages
- 2722-2729
- ISSN
- 0743-8346 (ISSN-L)
- 1476-5543
- PMC
- PMC8460396
- OpenAlex
- W3200298157
- Cited by
- 6
- References
- 47
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2024: 4 · 2022: 1
- FWCI
- 0.85
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Perinatology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Infant Development and Preterm Care
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare
- Keywords
- neonatal death, fathers, bereavement support, grief, continuity of care, hospital discharge, barriers to support, community support, emotional connection, follow-up support, fathers' experiences
- MeSH terms
- Australia, Fathers, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Male, Patient Discharge, Qualitative Research, Racial Groups, Perinatal Death
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