Losing one twin in the NICU – A case study of the parental experience

The aim of this case study was to generate a deeper understanding of parents' experiences of losing one twin in the NICU.In an in-depth interview the parents told their story of giving birth to twins born extremely preterm and shortly after losing one of them.A thematic analysis was conducted and revealed tree overall themes. These themes indicate that besides struggling with grief related to the loss of one infant, the parents were challenged by the medical discourse, the lack of staff continuity and space to develop parenthood. This case study emphasizes how the loss of a premature twin reinforced the parents' need of an understandable dialogue with a team of nurses. Furthermore the nurses have to offer a close partnership and create the necessary space for parents to develop parenthood while simultaneously dealing with the unexpected and traumatising circumstances related to the loss of an infant.