Bittersweet: a qualitative exploration of mothers' experiences of raising a single surviving twin.
Loss of a child from a multiple birth pregnancy is not uncommon yet the idiographic experience of parents who have lost a single twin from a multiple birth pregnancy is underexplored. This novel study sought to explore the experiences of mothers bereaved after loss of a twin from a multiple birth pregnancy, focusing on the dual challenges of parenting and grieving. Eighteen mothers at least 12 months post loss were recruited from a private UK based Facebook page dedicated to supporting parents after loss from a multiple birth. Eligible mothers completed an independent qualitative open-ended survey to explore maternal experiences of loss. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Findings represented a sense of duality for participants, with mothers experiencing conflict between roles and identities as well as the nature of their loss. Key themes identified include 'Narrating a story of family and loss', 'Finding a place for the twins within the family' and 'A changing sense of self'. Findings fit with theoretical conceptualisations of bereavement that acknowledge retaining relationships with the deceased. Practically, suggestions for supporting mothers to identify stock answers to often asked questions about family make up were suggested.
['Jordan|Abbie|A|0000-0003-1595-5574', 'Smith|Paula|P|', 'Rodham|Karen|K|0000-0002-5377-1998']
D000328:Adult D001601:Bereavement D005260:Female D006117:Grief D006801:Humans D007223:Infant D066088:Infant Death D007231:Infant, Newborn D008875:Middle Aged D009035:Mothers D016487:Parenting D010290:Parents D036801:Parturition D066087:Perinatal Death D011247:Pregnancy D036301:Qualitative Research D012649:Self Concept D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D014427:Twins D055815:Young Adult
multiple birth parenting bereavement identity Twin loss infant loss