Parental experiences of stillbirth rituals in Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Stillbirth remains a significant global health issue. Although extensive literature exists on burial practices for live births, there is a notable gap in evidence regarding the specific cultural practices related to the burial of stillborn infants.
Aim: This study examines the burial practices surrounding stillbirth from the perspectives of parents using the lens of cultural relativism.
Setting: The study was conducted in the Mopani District, South Africa.
Methods: A qualitative approach was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 12 parents who had experienced stillbirth. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, focusing on burial rituals, beliefs and the meaning of these practices in helping parents process their grief. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was used in preparing the manuscript.
Results: Participants described several burial practices performed following stillbirth including preparation of the body of a stillborn infant, selection of a burial site for a stillborn infant, the timing of burial for a stillborn infant, cultural prohibition on men’s attendance at the burial of a stillborn infant and sexual practices observed during the mourning period. The cultural significance of these practices was highlighted in terms of subsequent pregnancy.
Conclusion: Burial practices performed for stillborn infants are essential for parents to recover from grieving and enable them to hope for a successful subsequent pregnancy. These practices should be respected and integrated into the broader healthcare framework to provide culturally competent bereavement care.
Contribution: The study offers an interdisciplinary understanding of the intersection between culture and stillbirth.