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Maternal bereavement in the perinatal substance abuser
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois, Chicago 60680.
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Maternal bereavement, or grief from losing a child, is common in chemically dependent women facing custody loss. Many experience anticipatory grief for future loss and unresolved grief from past losses.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Maternal bereavement is linked to perinatal loss and custody relinquishment.
- Child custody loss disproportionately affects chemically dependent women.
Observation:
- This pilot study investigated maternal bereavement in obstetric substance abusers.
- The study examined grief related to potential postnatal custody loss.
Findings:
- Anticipatory grief regarding possible postnatal custody loss is prevalent.
- Unresolved grief from prior custody loss is also common in this population.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for specialized clinical interventions for substance-abusing mothers.
- Underscores public health concerns regarding maternal substance abuse and child welfare.
- Suggests grief counseling integrated into prenatal care for chemically dependent women.