Experiences of pregnancy loss in fathers of existing children: A qualitative study

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of fathers of existing children following pregnancy loss. Participants were 12 Israeli men who experienced pregnancy loss and had other children at the time. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Four themes were generated through thematic analysis. The first was “emotional reactions”: fathers described emotional disengagement after the loss. The second was “taking on a functional role”: fathers assumed a functional role as supporters in their familial relationships. The third was “acknowledged at home but disenfranchised elsewhere”: fathers felt their grief was unacknowledged by people around them. The fourth was “the relationship with the baby”: fathers struggled to define the loss. They were able to connect with memories and pain of the loss through their re-engagement with their other children. Findings suggest that fathers feel grief that is disenfranchized by society. These findings highlight a need for individual and group interventions to support fathers in their grief.