The National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU) in Oxford is collaborating with several hospitals and with Sands to try and improve the way that women who have experienced stillbirth are cared for, both during delivery and afterwards. The Stillbirth and Mental Health in Women (SAMMI) study aims to collect the experiences of women who are recently bereaved.

They are looking for participants who have experienced a stillbirth within the last 3 to six months and who live within a geographical location not far from Oxford.

Before you decide whether or not to receive more information about this study, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Do not hesitate to contact the NPEU (contact information below) if there is anything that is not clear.

Stillbirth is a difficult experience for women and their partners. SAMMI researchers believe that some women may experience anxiety and depression after the loss of their baby. There is almost no research looking at these illnesses, and little is known about the different factors that may lead to an increased risk of developing these illnesses after experiencing a stillbirth. Researchers believe it is vital to talk to women who have experienced a stillbirth so that they can improve knowledge of what is important to parents, and improve the help and support that is offered. SAMMI reseachers are interested in talking to women who have lost their baby within the last three months. If you decide to take part, you would be interviewed and asked to complete a series of questionnaires at this time and a further six months on from the stillbirth of your baby.

Women who have experienced a stillbirth at 24 weeks of pregnancy or later, within the last three months, can take part in the study. Women who are currently pregnant cannot participate in this study.

It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you would like to receive more information, please complete your contact details, sign the two consent forms (download below) and return both forms directly to the SAMMI study office.  Alternatively you can email one of the researchers. When they have received your forms, they will send you more detailed information by post. If you do join the study, you would be free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. A decision to withdraw at any time or not to take part, will not affect the standard of care you receive. 

Because the researchers are based in Oxford, they personally visit you for interviews if you live in the general area as follows: north as far as Warwick and Northampton; east as far as Milton Keynes and High Wycombe; south as far as Swindon and Reading; west as far as Bristol. If you live outside this area, they would offer you telephone interviews instead. 

Download Consent Form 1

Download Consent Form 2

Dr Antje Horsch                                             

University of Lausanne

antje.horsch@chuv.ch

Dr Kirstie McKenzie-McHarg

Department of Clinical Health Psychology Warwick Hospital, Lakin Rd, Warwick CV34 5BW

01926 495 321 x 4417

kirstie.mckenzie-mcharg(at)swft.nhs.uk