About the project
While stillbirths are now more recognized by health care professionals as a legitimate cause for grief reactions, they remain a taboo topic in many communities, especially in some religious and ethnic minority groups.
This project aims to provide new insight into the challenges associated with stillbirths and what influences the grieving process.
In particular, the project will examine the significance of a marked farewell in the form of a chosen ceremony, funeral or memorial service.
Data collection from 27 stillbirths has been completed, and the material has been processed for analysis.
Objectives
The publications from this project will focus on the roles of midwives, general practitioners, and hospital priests in relation to grief after stillbirths.
The scientific articles will contribute to a greater understanding of the challenges associated with handling stillbirths and bereaved parents’ perspective of the grieving process.
Outcomes
The findings will be particularly valuable for healthcare professionals, as well as for policymakers and religious organizations, who can use the insights gained to develop strategies to support those who are going through the grieving process after experiencing the loss of a stillborn child.
Financing
- Akershus University Hospital.