Maternal-fetal attachment transformation in women experiencing stillbirth

Background: Greater research attention has recently been given to stillbirth, with findings confirming that stillbirth represents a loss that differs significantly from other types of loss. However, the specific mechanisms related to maternal-fetal attachment in women experiencing stillbirth remain unclear. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the maternal-fetal attachment experiences of Taiwanese women who experienced stillbirth. Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach was used to study a purposive sample of 21 women who experienced stillbirth between 2005 and 2008. In this study, one to three in-depth interviews per participant were performed to achieve data saturation. Results: Four themes were identified, including: (1) holding a place for him/her, (2) delivering the deceased child again, (3) he/she is in a good place, and (4) he/she has been reincarnated into a better family. Conclusions: Participants exhibited four covert thoughts / overt actions, the ultimate goals of which were to sustain the relationship bond with the deceased child. It is suggested that maternity care professionals arrange a time before induction to discuss treatment options for mother and fetus with the couple and provide supportive telephone follow-up caring following discharge from the hospital.