Life after maternal death: Lived experiences of families without mothers in Okpoga, Okpokwu local government area, Benue State, Nigeria

Maternal death, although largely preventable, remains unacceptably high in developing countries such as Nigeria. The consequences of maternal death on the family members are dramatic, maternal death is one of the profound and life-altering events families will ever experience. This study explored the lived experiences of families following maternal death in Okpoga, Okpokwu L.G.A of Benue State. The study adopted a qualitative phenomenological research design. To understand the families’ experiences, purposive sampling was used to select 9 families, these include the spouse and children > 12years of women who died from pregnancy or childbirth complications, who were interviewed. Data for this study were collected using semi-structured interview guide. The experiences of these families were illuminated through stories and reflections, two themes emerged from their experiences, these are; Losses, and Overwhelming Support system. The study found that widowers grieve both the loss of a companion and the death of their dreams. Accompanying these losses are the challenges of single parenthood; the readjustment to life as a single adult. The study also revealed friends and family support, faith in God (spirituality), maintaining connection with the deceased and loss and grief counselling services as a coping mechanism. Support groups for widowers was recommended to help ameliorate the bleak effect of maternal death by sharing experiences, strategies used as coping mechanism and as well provide support. The study concluded that losing a wife (and mother of one’s children) through maternal death is quite emotive and it affects the family’s psychosocial wellbeing.