ArticleHealth expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy2023
Women's experiences of care after stillbirth and obstetric fistula: A phenomenological study in Kenya.
Article in Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
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5 citing papers in PubMed.
- Chronic Maternal Pelvic Morbidity: A Neglected Tragedy: Where is Pelvic Maternal Morbidity in Maternal and Child Health? : Advocating for a Public Health Approach to Pelvic Floor Disorders Resulting from Pregnancy and Childbirth Trauma.International urogynecology journal · 2026Article
- Experiences and Coping Mechanisms of Postnatal Women Who Had a Stillbirth in Eastern Uganda: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study.International journal of women's health · 2026Article
- A socio-ecological analysis of parents' experiences of stillbirth in Limpopo, South Africa.South African family practice : official journal of the South African Academy of Family Practice/Primary Care · 2025Article
- Perinatal loss in Tanzania: Perspectives of maternal-child healthcare providers.PLOS global public health · 2024Article
- Women's experiences of care after stillbirth and obstetric fistula: A phenomenological study in Kenya.Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy · 2023Article
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7 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundStillbirth and (obstetric) fistula are traumatic life events, commonly experienced together following an obstructed labour in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to maternity care. Few studies have explored women's experiences of the combined trauma of stillbirth and fistula.
aimTo explore the lived experiences of women following stillbirth and fistula.
methodsQualitative, guided by Heideggerian phenomenology. Twenty women who had experienced a stillbirth were interviewed while attending a specialist Hospital fistula service in urban Kenya. Data were analysed following Van Manen's reflexive approach.
resultsThree main themes summarised participants' experiences: 'Treated like an alien' reflected the isolation and stigma felt by women. The additive and multiplying impacts of stillbirth and fistula and the ways in which women coped with their situations were summarised in 'Shattered dreams'. The impact of beliefs and practices of women and those around them were encapsulated in 'It was not written on my forehead'.
conclusionThe distress women experienced following the death of a baby was intensified by the development of a fistula. Health professionals lacked an understanding of the pathophysiology and identification of fistula and its association with stillbirth. Women were isolated as they were stigmatised and blamed for both conditions. Difficulty accessing follow-up care meant that women suffered for long periods while living with a constant reminder of their baby's death. Cultural beliefs, faith and family support affected women's resilience, mental health and recovery. Specialist services, staff training and inclusive policies are needed to improve knowledge and awareness and enhance women's experiences. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: A Community Engagement and Involvement group of bereaved mothers with lived experience of stillbirth and neonatal death assisted with the review of the study protocol, participant-facing materials and confirmation of findings.
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