Speaker
Description
Background:
Miscarriage is a profound form of psychotrauma. It is an experience of loss that disrupts a mother’s sense of self, faith, and belonging. Despite its prevalence, the psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions of miscarriage remain underexplored in the Philippine context. Cultural silence, stigma, and limited trauma-informed responses often leave grieving mothers without adequate emotional or psychosocial support.
Objective:
This study explored the lived experiences of mothers who experienced miscarriage.
Methods:
A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design guided by Colaizzi’s method was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven mothers from Iligan City. Data underwent thematic analysis involving significant statements, formulated meanings, and theme clustering. Bracketing and member checking ensured rigor and credibility.
Results:
Five themes captured the multidimensional nature of post-miscarriage: (1) Emotional Turmoil and Grieving Process—silent mourning and emotional contrast; (2) Self-Blame and Guilt—perceived inadequacies and moral distress; (3) Spiritual Connection and Ongoing Bond—rituals, faith, and continued attachment; (4) Support Systems and Silence—the interplay of comfort and isolation; and (5) Acceptance and Meaning-Making—reframing loss through personal and spiritual growth.
Conclusion:
Miscarriage leaves an enduring psychological imprint that necessitates trauma-informed, compassionate, and culturally attuned care. The researchers propose the M.O.T.H.E.R. Model (Mothers’ Oriented Therapeutic Holistic Emotional Response)—a grief-sensitive nursing framework promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among mental health, nursing, and pastoral professionals in addressing psychotrauma and fostering holistic recovery among bereaved mothers.
