Understanding mothers' experiences of positive changes after neonatal death

ABSTRACTBackground: The death of a neonatal baby has the potential for parents to experience many negative outcomes. Post traumatic growth describes positive personal change from the struggle with a traumatic event. This has not been explored in this context.Objective: This study sought to understand the experiences of mothers whose neonatal baby had died; in particular, whether mothers were able to experience any positive changes in their lives since the death of their baby. The study also sought to explore what factors may have facilitated or prevented these changes.Method: Ten mothers were recruited, whose baby had died in the neonatal period between two and 10 years previously. Mothers completed semi-structured, one-to-one interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using Template Analysis.Results: Despite ongoing sadness, mothers recognized positive personal changes in their self-perception, relationships and life philosophy which were consistent with the post-traumatic growth model. Mothers also...