Title : Maternal support systems following perinatal loss in Ghana
Abstract:
Perinatal loss, including stillbirth and neonatal death, is a significant public health concern with profound psychological, social, and cultural consequences for mothers. In Ghana, although maternal health remains a priority, the emotional and psychosocial needs of women experiencing perinatal loss are often overlooked within healthcare systems and communities. This study explores maternal support systems available to women following perinatal loss in Ghana, with the aim of identifying existing structures, gaps in care, and opportunities for improvement. Guided by a pragmatic research paradigm, this study adopts a mixed-methods approach to capture both the breadth and depth of maternal experiences. Quantitative data will assess the availability and utilization of formal support services, including healthcare-based bereavement care, counseling, and follow-up services. Qualitative interviews will explore mothers' lived experiences, cultural beliefs, family and community support, and perceived barriers to accessing care. Preliminary insights suggest that while informal support systems such as family networks, religious institutions, and community practices play a critical role in coping, formalized bereavement care within health facilities remains limited, inconsistent, and often lacks cultural sensitivity. Stigma, silence around loss, and inadequate training of healthcare providers further compound mothers’ experiences of grief and isolation. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on maternal mental health by providing context-specific evidence from Ghana. It highlights the urgent need to integrate structured, culturally appropriate bereavement support into maternal healthcare services. The findings will inform the development of midwifery practice guidelines and policy recommendations to strengthen maternal support systems following perinatal loss. By addressing an under-researched yet critical aspect of maternal health, this study seeks to improve care experiences and mental health outcomes for bereaved mothers in Ghana and similar low- and middle-income settings.
Keywords: Perinatal Loss, Maternal Support Systems, Bereavement Care, Maternal Mental Health, Ghana, Midwifery Practice
