Abstract

Stillbirth remains a silent grief for many in society with unacknowledged impact on parents and healthcare providers. This study sought to examine the experiences of stillbirth on bereaved parents, consultant obstetricians and maternity healthcare chaplains. It was a qualitative study. The study highlighted the immense burden and impact of stillbirth on bereaved parents resulting in deep reflection and challenge to core beliefs. These realities were also present for consultant obstetricians and maternity healthcare chaplains. Recommendations from this study emphasise the importance of high quality multidisciplinary bereavement care for parents and respectful care for their babies who have died. In addition the provision of improved spiritual care and supportive care for obstetricians and maternity healthcare chaplains are recommended.