Abstract

The death of a baby through stillbirth is recognised is one of the most difficult bereavements. This study sought to explore in an indepth way what the impact was on parents when their baby died through stillbirth. The study was conducted with the parents of twelve babies who were stillborn.Four main themes were captures in the experiences of bereaved parents; maintaining hope, importance of the personhood of the baby, protective care and relationships (personal and professional). Parents spoke particularly about the time between the diagnosis and the birth of their baby as being important as they sought to find meaning. The study highlighted the immense impact of stillbirth on parents and how the care they received is recalled in considerable detail. The experiences of parents provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals highlighting the importance of sensitive and clear communication and compassionate care.