Theme: Fetal death often impacts a dyad; despite this, most studies have focused on
the experience of the grieving mother. The purpose of this study was to describe the
experience of the dyad following fetal death from the theoretical lens of Swanson’s
Theory of Caring (STC), extending knowledge of nurse caring from to the dyad. A
secondary analysis of qualitative data was conducted. The study included a sample of
10 heterosexual dyads. Findings from this analysis were framed using STC and contrary
cases. The findings offer the perspective of nurse caring from the experience of women
and their male partners following stillbirth.
Host(s): International Association of Human Caring
Attachments: The dyad experience of nurse caring following fetal death
Main Speaker: Mary Rose McDonough PhD, RNC-OB, C-EFM, IPPE-C
Mary Rose McDonough, PhD, RNC-OB, C-EFM, IPPE-C, is an Associate Clinical Professor at Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Nursing & Health Sciences and a labor and delivery nurse at Newton Wellesley Hospital. A nurse scientist with a focus on dyadic relationships, perinatal loss, and postpartum depression and anxiety, Dr. McDonough earned her PhD from Endicott College, where her dissertation explored the lived experience of couples following fetal death. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Family Nursing and Death Studies, and she has presented her work at national and international conferences. As an instructor in classes related to childbearing and child rearing, she is dedicated to creating safe, supportive learning environments that mirror the compassionate care she provides at the bedside. Grounded in caring theory, Dr. McDonough approaches her practice, teaching, and scholarship with a caring heart— believing that meaningful relationships between nurses, patients, students, and families are at the heart of excellent care. She brings this philosophy to every aspect of her work, from supporting families through the most vulnerable moments of their lives to nurturing the next generation of compassionate nurses.