2025/12/14 by Kelly Robinson, Clemence Due, Annette Briley +1 · 1 voice
Medicine · Psychology · #Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health #Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum #Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
paper · doi:10.1111/1471-0528.70112
openalex publication_date 2025/12/14 · openalex created_date 2025/12/15 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
BACKGROUND: Continuity of care during the perinatal period often leads to better psychosocial wellbeing for parents. Midwifery continuity of care (MCoC) is one such continuity of care model; however, there is little evidence regarding MCoC for the psychosocial wellbeing of bereaved parents in subsequent pregnancies. OBJECTIVE: To synthesise perceptions of care related to psychosocial wellbeing where MCoC has been provided in a subsequent pregnancy. SEARCH STRATEGY: Eight databases and Google Scholar were searched using 'psychosocial wellbeing', 'midwifery continuity of care' and 'subsequent pregnancies after perinatal loss' as search terms. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies containing primary data regarding parents' experiences of MCoC in a subsequent pregnancy after loss were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Relevant data were analysed using a meta-aggregative approach, guided by JBI methodology. MAIN RESULTS: Aggregation of four studies generated an overarching finding of 'Compassionate, trauma-informed care should be a key component of pregnancy after loss care', with four lines of action: 'Relationships in MCoC are key to supporting parents' psychosocial wellbeing in pregnancy after loss', 'Parents value midwives with bereavement expertise and knowledge of pregnancy after loss care', 'MCoC can restore confidence and empower parents in a pregnancy after loss' and 'MCoC that prioritises accessibility, attentiveness and care coordination will support parents in pregnancies after loss'. CONCLUSIONS: The trauma-informed, compassionate care principles found in MCoC show significant potential to support bereaved parent's psychosocial wellbeing in pregnancy after loss.