Love, Listen and Learn: Grandparents’ Experiences of Pregnancy Loss

Abstract

In Australia, approximately 15-20% of pregnancies result in miscarriage, and 0.69%, or six per day, result in stillbirth. Pregnancy loss is a deeply distressing experience for parents, many of whom may turn to their families, particularly their parents, for support. Pregnancy loss has been identified as an ambiguous loss leading to disenfranchised grief, and while there is greater knowledge of parents’ experiences, little research has been conducted regarding grandparents’ experiences following pregnancy loss. Much of what is known about grandparents comes indirectly from family studies of grief and loss. Using a qualitative research design, this study aimed to explore grandparents’ experiences of grief, and both formal and informal supports following the loss of a pregnancy. Interviews were conducted with one grandfather and 14 grandmothers. A thematic analysis identified 13 themes, categorised into three sections reflecting the aims of the study. Findings indicated that pregnancy loss was an ambiguous and compound loss, with grandparent grief disenfranchised. Grandparents provided support to their children in multiple ways, but lacked confidence in doing so. Grandparents received few formal supports, and relied on close family and social networks. Grandparents indicated that early access to information would provide guidance, and ongoing face to face peer support would be beneficial, with flexible options for isolated grandparents. Community education was considered important, and participation in raising awareness was a helpful way for grandparents to honour their loss and assist others.