Why do we need this research?
Miscarriage isn’t just a physical experience: it is an emotional event both for mum, her partner and those around them. However, a lot of the care given after a miscarriage focuses only on physical recovery, without providing parents with the emotional support they need.
In particular, emotional support for male partners is often overlooked. We need to better understand the experiences of men after their partner’s miscarriage, so that we can find the best way to help those who have suffered loss.
What’s happening in this project?
Our researchers started this project by carrying out a large review of previous research into men’s experiences of miscarriage. Their analysis of these studies, which reported on the experiences of 231 men, had many important findings about the roles that men assumed for themselves, and the assumptions made by others such as healthcare professionals.
The team discovered that many men felt that they were expected to be unaffected emotionally by pregnancy loss, and so did not ask for (or were not offered) the support they needed. The men also reported that it was assumed their role was to support their partner, so they found it difficult to express their own feelings. They often felt as if they were being treated as observers, or event outsiders, to their partner’s care.
One group missing from previous research was men with experience of multiple miscarriages, who may have additional needs for support. To address this, our researchers have now begun a study to get the views from this group, and have so far interviewed 26 men whose partners have had two or more miscarriages.
What difference will this project make?
The needs of male partners after a miscarriage has previously been overlooked. The learnings from this project will help doctors, nurses and midwives give men the emotional support they need following pregnancy loss.
Thanks for your interest in our research
Tommy's funds research across the UK investigating the reasons for miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. We can keep you updated on ways you can support our work. If you would like to join our fight against baby loss and premature birth, click here.
