Providing Lactation Care Following Stillbirth, Neonatal and Infant Death: Learning from Bereaved Parents
Debbie Noble-Carr1, Katherine Carroll1, Simon Copland1
1School of Sociology, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University, Acton, Australia.
Summary
Bereaved parents need compassionate, individualized lactation care following infant death. Health professionals can improve support through guidance, decision-making assistance, and trusted relationships, positively impacting grief.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Maternal and infant health
- Bereavement care
Background:
- Lactation following infant death presents unique challenges for bereaved parents.
- Existing hospital-based bereavement care often inadequately addresses lactation needs.
- Understanding parents' perspectives is crucial for improving lactation support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore bereaved parents' experiences and needs regarding hospital-based lactation care.
- To identify how healthcare professionals can better support parents experiencing lactation after infant loss.
- To inform improvements in bereavement care policies and practices.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth interviews.
- 17 mothers and 7 fathers bereaved by stillbirth, neonatal, or older infant death participated.
- Interviews conducted in three large Eastern Australian hospitals.
Main Results:
- Bereaved parents found lactation challenging, often receiving limited support.
- Anticipatory guidance, sense-making, decision support, and breast care assistance were beneficial.
- Trusted relationships with healthcare professionals were paramount, more so than specific roles.
- Care should be compassionate, individualized, partner-inclusive, and information-rich.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive lactation care is essential for bereaved parents' health and well-being.
- Integrating enhanced lactation support into hospital bereavement policies is critical.
- Improved lactation care can positively influence the grieving process for some parents.
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