Perinatal Loss And Providing Care to Fathers：Educational Needs of Midwives

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the care currently provided to fathers who had experienced a perinatal loss of their baby and what midwives think they need to learn for their perinatal loss care. We conducted an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey to 318 midwives with experience of perinatal loss care working at obstetrics in general hospitals. A total of 197 valid responses were analyzed. Out of 29 care items, the items provided by less than 30% of midwives and by a sole midwife were；referral to a counselor, providing information about genetic counseling, referral to post-discharge support contact, continued support after discharge, and referral to self-help group. In addition, less than 60% of midwives explained father’s grief process and only 50% conducted this process alone. Many midwives provided information on how to support the grieving mother, however, only 20% performed it constantly. Ninety percent of midwives had difficulty providing care to fathers but understood the need for quality care for fathers. Ninety-six percent of midwives hoped to learn about fathers’grief process and the required care as well as useful techniques by undertaking perinatal loss education. The study suggests the needs to conduct education to midwives about fathers’grief process and necessary care and to assist fathers to support the grieving mothers. The study also suggests that midwives need support to develop their skill of providing perinatal loss care by undertaking relevant, enriching education.