The experience of parents who lose a baby of a multiple birth during the neonatal period – A literature review

This literature review investigates the experience of parents who return to the NICU, following the death of a twin or higher order multiple (HOM), in order to care for a surviving infant. Infants of multiple births are considered at greater risk of prematurity and therefore of death. Bereaved multiple birth parents were identified to grieve similarly to bereaved singleton parents; however, it was acknowledged that they may have difficulty coping with such grief in the presence of a surviving co-multiple and, potentially unacknowledged, disenfranchised grief. ‘Hurtful’ and ‘helpful’ interactions with Healthcare Professionals (HCP) as well as the general public were a frequently recorded theme. As multiple birth rates continue to increase, HCP will be greater exposed to the unique needs of bereaved multiple birth parents. As Nurses, we work closely with parents on a regular basis, and are therefore best positioned to provide compassionate, un-discriminative, holistic care, to bereaved parents in line with the Nursing & Midwifery Council's (NMC) (2008) Code of Conduct. From reviewing the available literature it is evident that there is need for greater training, education and acknowledgement of multiple birth bereavement, within Neonatal End of Life (EoL) care.