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A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

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The parental role before and after SIDS.

Erin Plews-Ogan¹, Christine Keywan², Sue E Morris^1,3,4

¹Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

|June 8, 2021

Summary

Parents grieving infant loss from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) experience role confusion. Bereavement involves re-imagining parental responsibilities, focusing on the child

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Grief Studies
Pediatric Health

Background:

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is characterized by role confusion in parents following infant loss.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) represents a significant cause of infant mortality, leading to profound parental grief.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the evolution of the parental role in the context of bereavement after SIDS.
To understand how parents re-conceptualize their responsibilities and the meaning of their role post-loss.

Main Methods:

Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 31 parents.
Interviews conducted 2-5 years after the loss of their infant to SIDS.
Thematic analysis used to identify patterns in parental role disruption and re-imagining.

Main Results:

Significant disruption of the parental role was identified.
Parents re-imagined responsibilities related to their child's physical security, emotional security, and the child's meaning.
Parental tasks shifted from concrete to representational and self-generated, emphasizing the child's enduring place.

Conclusions:

Role confusion is a key symptom in parents experiencing prolonged grief after SIDS.
Bereaved parents continue to assert their child's meaningful place in the world and family.
Understanding these evolving parental roles is crucial for supporting families affected by SIDS.