Pearls of wisdom: maternal guidance for navigating grief after loss of one twin from a multiple birth pregnancy

Waring, H., Rodham, K., Smith, P., Armond, M. and Jordan, A. (2026) Pearls of wisdom: maternal guidance for navigating grief after loss of one twin from a multiple birth pregnancy. Death Studies. pp. 1-25. ISSN 0748-1187 (In Press)

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Abstract

Loss of a child from a multiple birth pregnancy presents unique challenges due to the simultaneous experience of grieving the child who died while caring for the surviving child. Peer support is valuable for bereaved parents, yet little research has explored this within the context of multiple birth loss. This study examined the ‘pearls of wisdom’ that mothers would offer to fellow bereaved parents. Eighteen mothers were recruited from a private UK Facebook group supporting parents after multiple birth loss and completed an online qualitative survey about the advice they would give others. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were generated: (1) Managing the stigma of grief and (2) Embracing grief in your own way. Mothers emphasised prioritising their own needs, finding unique strategies for managing grief and seeking social support. Greater awareness of multiple birth bereavement is essential to support mothers as they navigate grief.

Publication Type: Articles
Uncontrolled Keywords: advice, multiple birth, bereavement, maternal, loss
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV40 Social service. Social work. Charilty organisation and pracitce > HV697 Protection, assistance and relief > HV701 Children
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Psychology
Research Entities > POWER Centre
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Karen Rodham
Date Deposited: 08 Sep 2026 14:38
Last Modified: 08 Sep 2026 14:38
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/8746

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