A role for massage after antenatal or neonatal loss : evaluations from a community program

Objectives: To evaluate the Helping Hands Project which offers parents who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal loss a free massage. Approach: Demographic data was collated and analysed for differences between those that booked in for a massage and those that did not. Post treatment feedback from open-ended questions were analysed qualitatively using content analysis. Results: Ninety-seven people registered, and 58 people booked in for a massage. Those that did not book in had a significantly higher impact of events score. Four qualitative themes were identified: 1) a sense of relaxation, 2) Being supported and cared for, 3) Taking time out for self, 4) The importance of understanding and kindness. Conclusions: Parents felt the program was important in providing a sense of relaxation and taking time out for self. Higher average impact of events scores may be a contributing factor in parents not booking in for a massage.