The replacement child syndrome following stillbirth: A reconsideration

Abstract

This paper discusses the replacement child syndrome following a stillbirth experience in relation to the more contemporary view on bereavement: Continuing Bonds, in which a changed and reintegrated relationship with the deceased loved one is constructed. Recent qualitative studies which examined closely women's stories suggest an ongoing relationship with their deceased infant in a non-pathological way. The compiling evidence suggests that this adapted new relationship may also be contributing to mothers' enriched parenting experiences. However, this emerging area of research requires further investment in order to understand the factors that may be affecting a mother's relationship with the subsequent infant, with the inclusion of parenting experiences. This paper proposes a critical reconsideration of the replacement child syndrome in the context of a stillbirth experience, with emerging qualitative data. © 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.