Bereaved parents support research into perinatal loss

We recognise the importance of good research to inform the ways in which we, and other health professionals support bereaved parents.

​The loss of a much wanted baby is devastating, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death, or infertility. If you are reading this because you've experienced a loss, we are so sorry.

Some people who have experienced loss, find it meaningful to share their experience by supporting research that ultimately helps others who sadly go through similar losses.

If you would like to share your experience to further inform research into perinatal loss, your experience will be greatly appreciated and valued by health professionals who care for bereaved parents. As a result of your participation, services will be improved to optimally support bereaved parents.

The Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network is currently supporting two research studies investigating people's experience of perinatal loss. Please read the criteria below to determine if you are eligible to participate in these studies.

Research study at the University of Melbourne on miscarriage

This study is seeking women, partners and family members affected by miscarriage more than 3 months ago but within the last 2 years in order to understand how to best support those affected by miscarriage. 

This research follows several studies on women’s and men’s experiences of miscarriage by the Melbourne University research team, with the ultimate goal of ending the silence around miscarriage.

You can talk confidentially with researchers in an interview in person or by phone, or take part in a small group discussion. 

For more information or to express interest, please contact  miscarriage-australia@unimelb.edu.au 

Research study at the University of Adelaide on surrogate loss in the LGBTQIA+ community

Participants in this study must identify as LGBTQIA+, and have experienced pregnancy loss more than 6 months and less than 10 years ago. This includes many types of pregnancy loss such as miscarriage, stillbirth, the loss of a pregnancy being carried by your surrogate, and medically-indicated termination of pregnancy.

The University of Adelaide researchers are interested in speaking with the person who carried a pregnancy and/or partners of the person who carried a pregnancy, and/or people who have sought to become parents through the use of a surrogate. ​

The findings will be shared with service providers and support organisations to aid in understanding the needs of individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ who experience pregnancy loss so supports can be more appropriately targeted in the future.

For more information about this study, or to volunteer to participate, please contact Alice Rose from the School of Psychology at alice.rose@student.adelaide.edu.au
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Research study at the University of Adelaide on secondary infertility

Researchers are seeking women and/or their partners to take part in a research study on experiences of secondary infertility. This study is investigating the emotional experience, support and coping strategies associated with secondary infertility.

Eligible participants are women and/or their partners who have unsuccessfully tried to conceive for at least 12 months after having had a previous successful pregnancy/pregnancies. 

For more information about this study, or to volunteer, please contact: Ms Georgina Draxler School of Psychology at Email: georgina.draxler@student.adelaide.edu.au
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For support following loss, please click here. 
​For community support, please click here.

Researchers interested in listing their studies on the Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network research portal, please click here.

Thank you for your generosity in sharing your experience.
Dr Renée Miller
Principal Clinical Psychologist
Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network
The Perinatal Loss Centre