Abstract:
Perinatal loss remains high globally. In the Province of Benguet, La Trinidad has the highest abortion and neonatal mortality cases. This poorly studied area of bereavement has limited studies within the locality. The study aimed to explore, interpret, and understand the lived experiences of women who had perinatal loss. Interpretative phenomenology was used to delve into the lived experiences of women who had perinatal loss. Eight participants were chosen using network sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze the data. (1) Most women would feel immediate happiness upon knowing they are pregnant. However, perinatal loss could still happen, possibly due to genetics, lifestyle, an underlying condition, or due to an undetermined cause. (2) Perinatal Loss is a life-changing traumatic event. While physical care for women is sufficient, psychological bereavement care seems to be missing. (3) Participants undergo four stages of grief. Women would cope differently and garner life lessons that would ultimately transform them. (1) There is a need for initial and continuing perinatal bereavement care education for nurses in dealing with the emotional strain of providing high-quality perinatal bereavement care. (2) Hospitals should develop a standard set of specific guidelines for individualized bereavement care, such as separate recovery rooms to prevent further emotional distress and providing psychiatric evaluation and psychological first aid to reduce psychological distress.
