Midwives' support for parents following stillbirth: How they practise and resources they need from a phenomenological perspective

Abstract

Aim: To explore the perceptions and experiences of midwives caring for couples whoexperience a stillbirth. Design: Qualitative study based on Gadamer's hermeneutic phenomenology. Methods: This study was conducted with midwives (n = 18) at the birth unit of a third-level public hospital in Jaén (Spain) in 2023. Personal semi-structured interviews wererecorded in audio for later transcription by two researchers following steps describedby Fleming. Results: Two themes were identified as important aspects of the practise of midwivesin a situation of the birth of a stillborn child: (1) the importance of each action of themidwife, and (2) the availability of resources determines the care provided. Conclusions: Having a stillbirth is a very complex experience, in which the psychologi-cal support and human and material resources involved are the basic tool for the careof these families. Acknowledging limitations of the available resources, the assistanceand care provided by midwives are in line with the clinical practice guidelines, whichcan have an emotional impact on them. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: The care to be provided in still-birth requires appropriate human and material resources for these families. Midwiferyand nursing professionals are in a unique position for acting in cases of families witha stillbirth, updated protocols and, in general, the coordination of the different agentsinvolved within the healthcare system.