PSIKODINAMIKA KEHILANGAN: STUDI TENTANG RESPON EMOSIONAL DAN PSIKOLOGI IBU PASCA KEMATIAN BAYI BARU LAHIR

THE PSYCHODYNAMICS OF LOSS: A STUDY OF MATERNAL EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF A NEWBORN

Abstract

Kematian bayi baru lahir merupakan peristiwa traumatis yang berdampak besar terhadap kondisi emosional dan psikologis ibu, khususnya pada masa nifas. Ibu dapat mengalami kesedihan mendalam, kecemasan, bahkan depresi apabila tidak mendapatkan dukungan yang tepat. Sayangnya, aspek psikososial ini masih kurang mendapat perhatian dalam praktik kebidanan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami respons emosional ibu yang mengalami kehilangan bayi serta mengeksplorasi efektivitas pendekatan asuhan kebidanan berkelanjutan melalui intervensi psikososial dalam mendukung pemulihan emosional dan fisik. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain studi kasus terhadap Ny. T, seorang ibu yang kehilangan bayinya pada masa nifas. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan pemantauan selama proses pendampingan. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa Ny. T mengalami kesedihan, tekanan psikologis, dan kecemasan yang signifikan. Pendekatan psikososial—meliputi pendampingan emosional, mendengarkan aktif tanpa menghakimi, serta pemberian ruang untuk mengekspresikan perasaan—terbukti membantu ibu dalam proses penerimaan dan adaptasi. Perubahan positif terlihat dari kembalinya aktivitas harian dan nafsu makan ibu. Asuhan kebidanan berkelanjutan dengan pendekatan psikososial terbukti efektif dalam mendukung pemulihan fisik dan emosional ibu pascakehilangan.

Abstract 

The death of a newborn is a traumatic event that significantly impacts a mother’s emotional and psychological well-being, particularly during the postpartum period. Mothers may experience profound sadness, anxiety, and even depression if they do not receive adequate support. Unfortunately, the psychosocial aspects of care often receive insufficient attention in midwifery practice. This study aims to understand the emotional responses of a mother who experienced the loss of her baby and to explore the effectiveness of continuous midwifery care through psychosocial interventions in supporting emotional and physical recovery. This qualitative research employed a case study design involving a mother (Mrs. T) who experienced neonatal loss during the postpartum period. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and continuous monitoring throughout the support process. Findings revealed that the mother experienced intense grief, psychological distress, and anxiety. The psychosocial care approach—including emotional support, active non-judgmental listening, and space for emotional expression—proved effective in facilitating acceptance and adaptation. Positive behavioral changes, such as resuming daily activities and improved appetite, were observed. Continuous midwifery care, combined with psychosocial support, was effective in promoting both emotional and physical recovery following infant loss.