Caring for parents following the death of a twin: A student's experience

Abstract

Reflection encourages midwives to challenge their thoughts, feelings and beliefs, and, as a result, creates a questioning approach to existing knowledge. While reflection is part of best practice and improving care, when reflection involves dealing with birth and death at the same time, the challenge can be immense. This article is a reflective account of a student midwife's experience of caring for bereaved parents. It highlights the caring relationship that was built up between them. The student reflects on the bittersweet experience of a young couple's attempt to deal with the complexity of emotion experienced at the time of the birth and death of their twin daughter. As the account unfolds, the unique role of the midwife in facilitating parents' grieving at the time of childbirth can be clearly seen. The importance of parents spending time with their baby is highlighted. Discussion also focuses on the significance of creating mementos in the grieving process.