Frontiers in psychiatry
Mothers' experiences of bonding with their subsequent child following a previous perinatal bereavement
By Hefferman-Clarke R, Gregg L, Singer L and 1 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Perinatal bereavement can significantly affect a woman's psychological wellbeing and shape subsequent experiences of pregnancy and motherhood. However, no studies to date have qualitatively explored the impact of different types of perinatal bereavement experiences on bonding with a subsequent baby. Thus, the present study aimed to a) explore the psychological impact a previous perinatal bereavement had on maternal bonding with their subsequent baby (throughout pregnancy and post-birth) and b) identify the psychological and psychosocial support that helped in facilitating this bond.
Methods
In this qualitative study, women who had experienced a perinatal bereavement and had a subsequent child (up to the age of five) were recruited and interviewed. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.