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

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.