Midwives’ psychological experiences following a maternal mortality at a hospital in Eswatini

Abstract

Background: Maternal mortality is a globally recognised health indicator reflecting the quality of maternal healthcare services. Midwives are primary caregivers in maternal health and play a crucial role in reducing maternal mortality. The occurrence of maternal death can have a profound psychological and emotional impact on the well-being of midwives as they provide continuous care and support to expectant mothers and their families. While much of the existing literature focuses on the effects of maternal death on families, limited attention has been given to its impact on midwives.
Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the psychological impact of maternal deaths on midwives’ well-being.
Setting: The study was conducted in a private room of a maternity ward of a main referral hospital in Eswatini.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory-descriptive research design was used. Ten purposively selected midwives from the maternity ward of a referral hospital participated in individual and 12 in focus group interviews. Data were analysed thematically to identify themes and sub-themes.
Results: Two main themes emerged: Midwives’ negative psychological experiences following maternal deaths, and their recommended strategies for coping with these challenges.
Conclusion: Midwives experienced psychological and emotional distress following the death of women they cared for during pregnancy, labour and the puerperium.
Contribution: The findings of this study could guide employer interventions that strengthen midwives’ coping strategies following a maternal death, thus helping prevent burnout and reduce staff turnover.