Introduction: Black mothers were more than twice as likely to have a perinatal loss when compared to their Hispanic and white counterparts. The purpose of this study is to deeply understand the experiences of Black mothers who have suffered a perinatal loss. The aim is to explore what resources, communication, and other support mechanisms can aid their grieving process and enhance the care they receive from healthcare professionals. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological approach. A semi-structured interview was conducted with one Black mother who experienced a perinatal loss at 37 weeks gestation. The study was completed to gain their perspective on their individual experience. In vivo coding was used to analyze the data. Results: Four overarching themes were identified during the study: (1) remembering the loss, (2) interactions with healthcare team members, (3) processing in real time, and (4) wishes for future patients. Conclusions: Mothers can remember their loss with a vivid memory and can give a thorough description, and they experience deep emotions that can range from guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and panic. Interactions with healthcare team members range from positive interactions with their nurses to negative interactions with doctors regarding how they communicate and disregard their concerns. Continuing education should include how to care for patients who have experienced a perinatal loss and proper communication skills so that the education can further improve their practice and care. Keywords: Qualitative, Black Mothers, African American, Black, Pregnancy loss, Perinatal loss, Communication, Bereavement support, Interactions
Sydney Barnette (Sun,) studied this question.