Parents’ experiences of losing an infant of multiple birth during perinatal or neonatal period : Literature review
Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: The purpose of this final thesis was to describe parents’ experiences of losing an infant of multiple birth during perinatal or neonatal period. The aim of this literature review was to develop the expertise of health care professionals working with bereaved multiple birth parents, especially those who work in perinatal and neonatal units.\n\nSystematic search was conducted from databases CINAHL, MEDLINE and PUBMED. Manual search was used to maximize the bibliography of this literature review. Total of 10 research articles were chosen. \n\nResults implied that losing an infant of multiple birth was a complex and life-changing experience. Parents had mixed emotions; they were happy for their survivor(s) and simultaneously grieved the death of the other multiple(s). Losing one of the multiples caused fear, anxiety and worry over the rest of the multiples, and difficulties in bonding with the survivor(s). However, the survivor(s) could also be a source of comfort and strength. Parents were also grieving the loss of the special status of being a multiple birth parent. Parents faced the grief of losing their multiple through different circumstances: the funeral, going back to the NICU to see the survivor(s), interacting with health care professionals who are unaware of their situation, seeing other twins or higher order multiples, looking at their photos and other mementoes.\n\nParents felt like other people could not understand their loss and often came across as insensitive. Relationships between parents, as well as friends and other family members may have altered after the loss. Parents listed emotions they experienced surrounding the subject of losing an infant of multiple birth: sorrow, grief, despair, irritability, anger and guilt. They felt isolated and that they were expected to grieve in a certain way or hide or delay their sadness. They were left asking questions and looking for reasons. After some time had passed, parents may have talked about acceptance, personal change and growth from the experience. \n\nThere is a good amount of research in general conducted about this topic, but an evident lack of research regarding nursing practices. More research on the phenomenon of losing one infant of multiple birth is a necessity for understanding the unique aspects of it.
Source: Theseus (Ammattikorkeakoulujen)
Authors: Jenni Hyvärinen, R Salmi
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2620192967