“I was an incubator: Baby out, baby gone, job done” – A narrative analysis of intersecting identities among mothers who have their baby removed at birth

Background: Infant removal shortly after birth due to safeguarding concerns is a distressing phenomenon with a profound impact on mothers, babies, their families and professionals involved. In the UK, as in other countries, rates of babies removed at birth are increasing. In addition, infant removal has been associated with increased maternal post-removal morbidity and mortality. Limited qualitative research is available to understand birth mothers’ experiences of healthcare during this time. This is crucial to inform service delivery improvements to support this group of marginalized and underserved mothers. Study design: This study adopted a combined personal and thematic narrative analysis approach in order to explore the experiences of maternity care among birth mothers who were separated from their baby. An adapted candidacy framework was used to inform the synthesis of findings. Findings: Seven intersecting and co-existing identities were generated: Victim, Protector, Mother, Incubator, Shamed and Flawed, A cog in a machine, and Stronger and Wiser. Each of these identities consisted of common themes across the women’s accounts. Main implications: We identified critical areas for improvement of health and social care service delivery and professional awareness, to ensure care for mothers in these situations is improved, current research and service gaps are identified, and professional and societal stigma is addressed.