A Baby Has Died: The Impact of Perinatal Loss on Family Social Networks

Abstract

To describe the impact of a baby's death on the family's social network and to design nursing interventions to support families and their networks. Descriptive, with a qualitative approach. An urban area of western Quebec. Twenty parents (mothers and fathers) who had experienced a perinatal loss (abortion, miscarriage, in-utero death, stillbirth, or death of a newborn within the 1st week of life) within the last 6 years. Self-administered questionnaires developed by the authors were completed by each parent. Family members' quality and quantity of ties with their network were profoundly affected by the perinatal loss. Some families experienced reinforcement of their bonds with their social network, but most suffered permanent losses of relationships with friends, colleagues, or extended family members. The quality and quantity of ties with one's network are associated with improved health status and life satisfaction. Considering the changes participants noted in their relationships within their network, further studies of the impact of these changes on family members' grieving process would be useful to guide nursing interventions.