Finding a Way Through: Integrating Spirituality and Sociocultural Meaning in the Face of Infertility and Perinatal Loss

Abstract

Reproductive trauma, including infertility and perinatal loss, affects approximately 15% of women in the United States and can lead to psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as couple relational problems. Risks to developing these issues may increase when there is a history of recurrent pregnancy loss, a history of trauma, or lack of social support. In this chapter, we will explore the interconnections between sociocultural discourses about motherhood, gender and gendered power, and spiritual beliefs and practices as they relate to treating reproductive trauma in therapy. We will present two case examples that demonstrate a relational approach to helping clients navigate spiritual issues related to infertility and perinatal loss. The goal of clinical interventions will be twofold: (1) to counter harmful spiritual beliefs and sociocultural messages surrounding causation, regret, guilt, and blame related to infertility and (2) to support individuals and couples in finding acceptance and constructing personal meaning in the experience of complicated grief.