Attitudes of bereaved mothers: more research is needed

To gain insight into the attitudes of bereaved mothers targeting the impact of the autopsy on parents experiencing stillbirth.

The design was a population based, cross-sectional study using semi-structured interviews. Setting included mothers with confirmed stillbirth in a Tertiary University Hospital involving the Department of Pastoral and Spiritual Care and the Department of Pathology. Participants included forty-five mothers, who were interviewed.

Postmortem examinations are accepted if communication between healthcare providers and mothers is maintained. In 39 out of 45 mothers, the stillbirth was experienced as a sudden unexpected event. Thirty-two of 45 mothers found the interview with the pathologist helpful in clarifying the autopsy report. In 37 out of 45, the in-person meeting was found beneficial for the grieving process.

The pathologist may represent an integral component for the grieving process of families experiencing loss. Despite misconceptions, pathologists may play a crucial role in the well-being of families experiencing stillbirth.