Experiences of African American Mothers Following the Death of Their Infants

'I Was Shattered and Broken': Unmasking the Experiences and Responses of Black Canadian to Pregnancy Loss

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy loss remains an invisible tragedy that impacts on the psychosocial well-being of women and their families. Cultural norms and beliefs about pregnancy loss affect how some women respond and process the loss. Yet research about Black Canadian women's experiences of pregnancy loss is lacking. The purpose of this research was to explore Black Canadian women's experiences and responses to pregnancy loss.

METHODS

A descriptive exploratory qualitative design was used to gain insight into the experiences of Black Canadian women. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who identified as Black. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

We purposely recruited and interviewed 32 Black Canadian women who experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Three overarching themes were identified: (a) coming to terms with the reality of losing a pregnancy, (b) grappling with the psychosocial burden of losing a pregnancy, and (c) navigating for support after losing a pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Addressing the psychosocial burden of pregnancy loss is critical to promote the well-being of Black Canadian women. Nurses and other healthcare providers must recognize that the impact of pregnancy loss extends beyond the immediate clinical concerns. Therefore, intervention programs and follow up care must take a holistic and culturally responsive approach to address the needs of Black Canadian women beyond the period of the loss.

Racism in Pediatric Serious Illness and Palliative Care: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Research

CONTEXT

Racial disparities in health outcomes have historically impacted Black and Native American children with serious illness, yet little is known about how racism shapes the healthcare experiences of these families. To improve care experiences for this population, we must understand the myriad of ways that racism may impact their experiences with serious illness.

OBJECTIVES

1) To assess the extent to which the experiences of Black and Native American families have been captured in existing serious illness and palliative care literature and 2) explore how experiences of racism uniquely impact this population.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review and qualitative meta-synthesis of peer-reviewed articles from 1980 to 2022 that included Black and/or Native American parents' or caregivers' experiences of serious illness care. We abstracted study characteristics, and forms of racism mentioned.

RESULTS

Searches yielded 2762 articles, of which six were reviewed based on inclusion criteria. Three key themes emerged from the literature on the experiences of Black families navigating pediatric serious illness that highlight how parents navigate their future after a serious illness diagnosis; how relationships and support networks change after diagnosis; and the challenges associated with navigating grief and suffering after a diagnosis. Institutionalized racism and interpersonal racism were the most identified forms of racism experienced by Black families. None of the articles identified included Native American families.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the pressing need for further qualitative research to explore the lived experiences of racially minoritized families-especially studies focusing on the experiences of Native American families.

"The Dark Farewell to the Light of Life": A Qualitative Study About Prenatal Loss

AIM

This study was conducted to determine the experiences of women who encountered loss in the prenatal period.

METHOD

This study was a qualitative study conducted using the phenomenological method and was conducted according to the guidelines of the COREQ checklist. A total of 11 women who were experienced loss in the early prenatal period were interviewed. The data were analyzed using the content analysis.

RESULTS

Three main themes and eight sub-themes emerged. The themes were light of life (bubble of happiness, journey), dark farewell (silent scream inside, unfinished tale: motherhood, loneliness, family approach) and obscurity (uncertainty about the future, need for support). Women expressed that the loss process had negative effects on their mental health and that they needed help.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy illuminates women's lives, while prenatal loss involves intense and various negative emotions, and women need support in many ways. These results show that women who experienced loss in the prenatal period should be allowed to express their feelings, thoughts and experiences, and the risks in terms of mental health should be reduced by supporting them during the loss and mourning process.