Care, connection, and social distancing: The challenges of baby loss during the COVID-19 pandemic in Aotearoa New Zealand

Problem: The COVID-19 pandemic hindered access to routine healthcare globally, prompting concerns about possible increases in pregnancy loss and perinatal death.

Background: PUDDLES is an international collaboration exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents who experience pregnancy loss and perinatal death in seven countries, including Aotearoa New Zealand.

Aim: To explore parents' experiences of access to healthcare services and support following baby loss during the COVID-19 pandemic in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Methods: We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 26 bereaved parents, including 20 birthing mothers, and six non-birthing parents (one mother and five fathers). Types of loss included 15 stillbirths, four late miscarriages, and one neonatal death. Participant ethnicities were broadly representative of Aotearoa New Zealand's multi-ethnic society. Data were analysed using Template Analysis.

Findings: Analysis revealed five themes relating to pandemic impact on bereaved parent's experiences. These were: 'Distanced and Impersonal care'; 'Navigating Hospital Rules'; Exclusion of Non-birthing Parents; 'Hindered Access to Social Support'; and 'Continuity of Relational Care'.

Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated isolation of bereaved parents through perceived impersonal care by healthcare professionals and restrictions on movement hindered access to social and cultural support. Compassionate bending of the rules by healthcare professionals and community postnatal visits by continuity of care midwives following the bereavement appeared to be mitigating factors.

Conclusion: Social isolation is an added challenge for parents experiencing baby loss during a pandemic, which may be mitigated by flexible and compassionate care from healthcare professionals, especially continuity of care midwives.