Resonance between beginning of life and end of life: an un-trodden path to health in Maternity Services?

Abstract

This paper presents a secondary analysis and discussion of two research projects, which separately  explored existential aspects of beginning of life (among first time mothers) and end of life (among dying and their relatives) respectively. Findings from two studies conducted in different research designs are discussed through common theoretical understandings of secular, spiritual and religious aspects of life. In the paper we focus in particular on, how becoming a mother can actualize existential considerations and how the resonance to the same actualizations in relation to dying, can potentially inform maternity services. Two summary arguments, the existential-spiritual and the health professional argument substantiate our reason to emphasize how spiritual care might be as relevant at beginning of life, as it is at end of life.