Exploring grief among Canadian Indigenous women who have experienced perinatal loss: Interactions with the healthcare system

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the experiences of Canadian Indigenous women who experienced perinatal loss and how their interactions with the healthcare system impacted their healing process. Perinatal loss can lead to unacknowledged grief, and the lack of specialized support within the healthcare system often leaves women to grieve alone. Women from low income families are more vulnerable to pregnancy loss, adding to the stressors that this population already endures. A qualitative approach was used to interview four women and two healthcare workers about their experiences receiving and providing care for perinatal loss. The findings highlighted the importance of acknowledging and validating perinatal loss as a legitimate reason to grieve, ensuring a supportive environment through adequate communication and resources, providing quality care that is attentive, genuine, and compassionate, and offering education on pregnancy loss and the grief that follows. Keywords: perinatal loss, grief, Indigenous women, healthcare