Background: Few parents experience stillbirth in Sweden, and their perspectives on the grieving process remain largely unknown. Objective: To explore parents' perspectives, memories, reflections and insights in the grieving and recovery process six months after stillbirth.
Methods: A mixed-method study involving nine in-depth interviews and responses to eleven quantitative statements. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic network analysis.
Results: Two themes were identified 'Retained indelible deep memories of the loss and increased insights into the tragic life-changing event' and 'The continued grieving process, quality of life and new pregnancy'. These themes captured parents' ongoing grief and reflections. Six months later, parents reported gaining insights into unforeseen pregnancy abnormalities. Some announced new pregnancies, desiring extended medical checks by both midwives and obstetricians. There was a widespread request for tailored psychological support throughout pregnancy. Qualitative findings were reinforced by the quantitative statements.
Conclusions: Stillbirth profoundly affects parents long-term, with deep grief and memories. They develop coping strategies to strengthen their mental health. However, after six months, they begin to see a small glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.