Assessing Interest in Peer Doula-Facilitated Empathy and Self-Compassion Training Among Women With History of Early Pregnancy Loss (AIDES for EPL) [ID: 1344944]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Limited data exist regarding the type of support patients need when experiencing early pregnancy loss (EPL). The objective of this study is to explore how patients emotionally cope with EPL and to assess whether there is interest in a peer EPL doula program with a self-compassion component. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 21 patients who had experienced EPL in the past 2 years. We evaluated the kinds of support that patients felt were most helpful, interest in a possible peer EPL doula intervention, and concerns or suggestions for the creation of such a program. Content analysis was utilized to process the data and identify themes. RESULTS: 52.38% (n=11) of interviewees reported expectant management of their EPL, 23.81% (n=5) reported medication management, and 23.81% (n=5) reported undergoing a dilation-and-curettage procedure. Participants represented various races and ethnicities, income brackets, and insurance statuses. We identified five themes: 1) therapy and in-person support groups are helpful when experiencing EPL, but are sometimes inaccessible; 2) social media support groups are initially advantageous for creating a sense of solidarity, but in the long term can be triggering; 3) support from a peer who has also experienced EPL is valuable; 4) developing self-compassion is important in emotionally coping with EPL; and 5) there is a demand for emotional and informational support after EPL. CONCLUSION: Given the unique types of support participants identified in this study, a peer EPL doula could feasibly provide the emotional and informational support patients desire when experiencing an EPL.