Article: Men's grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss

Emotional distress following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss is common, however little is known about men's grief as the majority of literature and subsequent bereavement care guidelines have focused on women. In this Australian systematic review  46 articles were identified. Findings indicate that men's grief experiences are highly varied, and current grief measures may not capture all of the complexities.  In comparison to women, men may face different challenges including expectations to support female partners, and a lack of social recognition for the grief and subsequent needs.

Obst K L., Due C., Oxlad M. & Middleton P  (2020) Men's grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss; a systematic review and emerging theoretical model. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth,  2020

Contact the Library for a copy or  download here

Article: Supporting fathers who want to be involved in providing healthcare for their child

An increasing number of fathers want to be involved in providing healthcare to their child, yet little is known about how best to engage, educate and upskill this parent.   This article describes a literature search carried out to locate, describe and summarise the evidence of fathers performing healthcare in acute, chronic or long term conditions and the type of support needed.  The author found there was very limited evidence or research available.  Recommendations for healthcare staff include involving fathers as early as possible, being aware of maternal "gatekeeping", and focusing on fathers' information needs, identify skills central to their child's care and assist the fathers in acquiring these skills.

Laws, T. 2018. Supporting fathers who want to be involved in providing healthcare for their child.  Nursing Children and Young People, 30 (5) p 18 - 23

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Article: Fathers' experiences of their child's life limiting condition

When a child has a life-limiting condition, both parents are affected by the illness, yet research has largely under-represented fathers' experiences.  Seven fathers were interviewed in this UK study.  The dominant themes were found to be 'experience of the diagnosis', 'living with the illness', 'struggling with emotions' and 'relationship with staff'.  The clinical implications for health care staff are discussed.

Dallos, R. 2018.  Fathers' experiences of their child's life limiting condition: an attachment narrative perspective.  Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 23 (3) p 381 - 397

Available to download via Plymouth University Open Research Repository

[Article] It's like being a member of a club I didn't want to join: Reflections on a support group for bereaved dads

Research from Helen and Douglas House, the article offers a different perspective on dad's grief and on the use of support groups for bereaved dads.  The dads powerfully articulate  the extreme nature of their losses, explaining "nothing can solve the problem".  On the other hand, they stress that within the context of this research, the tiny improvements they feel and experience make coming to the group worthwhile and important.

Davies, K., Murray, M. & Whitworth, T. 2015.  [Article]  It's like being a member of a club I didn't want to join: Reflections on a support group for bereaved dads.  Bereavement Care, 34 (3) p 92-95.

To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

[Guidance] Mainly for Fathers - after the death of a baby

Published by SAND, the booklet Mainly for Fathers is based on what bereaved fathers said they needed to know following the death of their baby. It covers essential topics such as: the physical and emotional manifestations of grief, telling family and friends, creating memories and finding support.

SANDS 2014. Mainly for fathers. 3rd edition.

Available on loan from the library or click here to download copy