Is partners' mental health and well-being affected by holding the baby after stillbirth? Mothers' accounts from a national survey.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effects on partners' health and well-being of holding a stillborn baby.

Background

Findings from quantitative and qualitative studies have produced inconsistent results concerning the effects of holding a stillborn baby on parents.

Methods

Secondary analyses were conducted on postal questionnaire data relating to 455 partners of women who had a stillbirth. Women answered questions about their partners' behaviour, perceptions of care, mental health and well-being at three and nine months after the stillbirth. Demographic, clinical and care characteristics were compared between partners who, according to the mothers, did and did not hold their baby. Sub-group analyses assessed hypothesised moderating effects.

Results

Mothe

SUBMITTER: Hennegan JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5974507 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature