Bonded from Brokenness: A Collaborative Autoethnography on Maternal Bereavement

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of maternal bereavement. As scholar practitioners the authors offer their personal narratives to bring awareness to the multifaceted aspects of grieving the death of a child. Using collaborative autoethnography as the study’s methodology enabled the authors to explore their connection to the sociocultural context of maternal grief. Data collection consisted of a dialogue process that took place electronically through the course of asynchronous messages. Data analysis revealed three interrelated themes: transformation, constructing meaning, and creative ways of knowing. The findings are examined in light of literature regarding maternal bereavement and the expressing of grief through writing. The study concludes with a discussion on implications and recommendations for bereaved mothers and those who serve this population.