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Cited by 10Grief, Bereavement, and Mental HealthDeath, Funerary Practices, and MourningAssisted Reproductive Technology and Twin Pregnancy

Bittersweet: a qualitative exploration of mothers’ experiences of raising a single surviving twin

Open access
Jordan, Abbie, Smith, Paula, Rodham, Karen·2018·Psychology, Health & Medicine
DOI 10.1080/13548506.2018.1434215
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Abstract

Loss of a child from a multiple birth pregnancy is not uncommon yet the idiographic experience of parents who have lost a single twin from a multiple birth pregnancy is underexplored. This novel study sought to explore the experiences of mothers bereaved after loss of a twin from a multiple birth pregnancy, focusing on the dual challenges of parenting and grieving. Eighteen mothers at least 12 months post loss were recruited from a private UK based Facebook page dedicated to supporting parents after loss from a multiple birth. Eligible mothers completed an independent qualitative open-ended survey to explore maternal experiences of loss. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Findings represented a sense of duality for participants, with mothers experiencing conflict between roles and identities as well as the nature of their loss. Key themes identified include 'Narrating a story of family and loss', 'Finding a place for the twins within the family' and 'A changing sense of self'. Findings fit with theoretical conceptualisations of bereavement that acknowledge retaining relationships with the deceased. Practically, suggestions for supporting mothers to identify stock answers to often asked questions about family make up were suggested.

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Crossref · 10.1080/13548506.2018.1434215

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  • Perinatal grief is a complex and relational experience whose intensity and meaning are deeply influenced by the quality of bonds formed after the loss.

    “The studies included in this theme contributed to the understanding that perinatal grief is a complex and relational experience, whose intensity and meaning are deeply influenced by the quality of the bonds formed after the loss (30–38, 40, 45, 46).”

    From Experiences and long-term repercussions of perinatal grief in women after perinatal bereavement: a meta-ethnography (2025) · cites this paper as [40]

    The Discussion (pp. 11–12) describes grief alongside parenting a surviving twin and explains how maintaining the deceased twin’s place in the family helped mothers accommodate loss. It does not establish that the intensity and meaning of grief are deeply influenced by the quality of bonds formed after the loss; its discussion of developing a relationship and shared history refers chiefly to before birth and the time of death. (LLM, conf=0.83)

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  • Experience of motherhood after perinatal bereavement is marked by a continuous process of emotional and identity reconstruction that does not end with the baby's death.

    “The studies in this theme revealed that the experience of motherhood after a perinatal bereavement is marked by a continuous process of emotional and identity reconstruction that does not end with the baby’s death (30–32, 36, 38–40, 42, 43, 45).”

    From Experiences and long-term repercussions of perinatal grief in women after perinatal bereavement: a meta-ethnography (2025) · cites this paper as [40]

    The Discussion (pp. 11–12) describes mothers continuing to balance grief with parenting and struggling to adjust their identity from parent of twins to parent of a singleton. This supports reconstruction after the baby’s death, but the study concerns mothers raising a surviving twin, not motherhood after perinatal bereavement generally. (LLM, conf=0.83)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • In twin loss, identity re-definitions are more complex; women mourn the lost baby and the anticipated identity of being a 'mother of twins'.

    “In specific contexts, such as the loss of one of a pair of twins, identity re-definitions became even more complex, with women mourning not only the lost baby, but also the anticipated identity of being a “mother of twins” (40).”

    From Experiences and long-term repercussions of perinatal grief in women after perinatal bereavement: a meta-ethnography (2025) · cites this paper as [40]

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Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Bowlby, J. (1980). Attachment and loss. Volume 3. Loss: Sadness and depression. (Vol. 3). London: Basic Books.

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Authors
Jordan, A., Smith, P., & Rodham, K.
Affiliations
  • University of Bath (GB)
  • University of Staffordshire (GB)
Corresponding author
Jordan, Abbie
ORCID
Venue
Psychology, Health & Medicine
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2018-01-31
Volume
23
Issue
8
Pages
891-898
ISSN
  • 1354-8506 (ISSN-L)
  • 1465-3966
DOI
10.1080/13548506.2018.1434215
OpenAlex
W2787741520
Cited by
10
References
15
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 1
FWCI
0.88
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
other-oa
Locations
  • Psychology Health & Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Pure (University of Bath) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Staffordshire Online Repository (Staffordshire University) (acceptedVersion)
  • ChiPrints (University of Chichester) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health
  • Social Sciences › Anthropology › Death, Funerary Practices, and Mourning
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Assisted Reproductive Technology and Twin Pregnancy
Keywords
twin loss, maternal bereavement, grief, maternal experience, identity conflict, family narratives, surviving twin, Facebook support groups
MeSH terms
Adult, Bereavement, Female, Grief, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Middle Aged, Mothers, Parents, Pregnancy, Surveys and Questionnaires, Self Concept, Twins, Parenting, Qualitative Research, Parturition, Young Adult, Perinatal Death, Infant Death

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