A Qualitative Exploration of Maternity and Neonatal Experiences of Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer+ Parents

Howes, Abby (2025) A Qualitative Exploration of Maternity and Neonatal Experiences of Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer+ Parents. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: The 21st century has seen significant positive legislative changes for LGBTQ+ people; however, challenges still exist. Research indicates that the challenges LGBTQ+ parents face in healthcare are partly due to the heteronormative and cisnormative assumptions and views that services and healthcare professionals may hold. This thesis aims to explore the maternity and neonatal experiences of lesbian, bisexual, and queer+ parents.

Methods: A qualitive systematic review of the literature on lesbian and bisexual mothers’ experiences of maternity care, was carried out by searching five databases. A qualitative empirical study was conducted which explored the experiences of lesbian and queer+ parents who had experience of their baby being admitted to a neonatal unit in the United Kingdom. The study used semi-structured interviews, and reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the findings.

Results: The systematic review synthesised the findings from 10 studies, producing four topic areas: “heteronormativity”, “acceptance and inclusion”, “finding your own path”, and “knowledge and power of professionals”. Twelve parents participated in the empirical research which produced two meta-themes. The first meta-theme, the “experience of lesbian and queer+ parents in a neonatal unit”, included four themes: “real and perceived threats”, “adapting to a heteronormative world”, “positive experiences”, and “actions speak louder than words”. The second meta-theme, the “experience as parents in a neonatal unit”, included two themes: “safety and care”, and “loss”.

Conclusions: The findings from both the systematic review and empirical study are discussed and critically evaluated throughout this thesis portfolio. Recommendations for clinical practice are provided.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	28 Oct 2025 09:28
Last Modified:	28 Oct 2025 09:28
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100808
DOI:

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