Midwives' experiences of caring for women with early pregnancy loss in an Irish maternity hospital

Abstract

Background Midwives provide care for women experiencing early pregnancy loss, as well as support for women throughout childbirth. Research has predominately focused on women's experience of early pregnancy loss, with little research on how such loss affects midwives and care provision. Aim To explore the perceptions of midwives caring for women experiencing early pregnancy loss. Methods This study used a descriptive qualitative design with semi-structured interviews. A purposive sample of eight midwives, all of whom had relevant experience, were recruited from a maternity hospital in Ireland. Findings Themes identified were: ‘coping with the experience of early pregnancy loss’, ‘compassionate care for women and midwives’, and ‘what midwives found difficult’. Conclusions Repeated exposure to early pregnancy loss can have a profound emotional effect on midwives, with a potential for this to affect the care that women receive. Midwives identified the need for further education in the area of early pregnancy loss, time out during the shift to debrief, and counselling for staff. Structured support is needed for midwives and other health professionals where there is repeated exposure to early pregnancy loss.