Natalie Cain

How can bodily engagement help a mother grieve a stillbirth?

The trauma associated with stillbirth differs significantly from traditional grief from child bereavement. After intense anticipation and excitement, parents are faced with the challenge of moving on without ever experiencing the live presence of their child. Despite the fact that six babies die from stillbirth each day in Australia (Stillbirth Foundation Australia, 2021), there is still conflicting information as to how to approach the grief and healing process. This project will explore how and to what effect engagement of the body through physical activity helps in the healing process of a mother during different phases of her grief.