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Background: Stillbirth and (obstetric) fistula are traumatic life events, commonly experienced together following an obstructed labour in low‐ and middle‐income countries with limited access to maternity care. Few studies have explored women's experiences of the combined trauma of stillbirth and fistula. Aim: To explore the lived experiences of women following stillbirth and fistula. Methods: Qualitative, guided by Heideggerian phenomenology. Twenty women who had experienced a stillbirth were interviewed while attending a specialist Hospital fistula service in urban Kenya. Data were analysed following Van Manen's reflexive approach. Results: Three main themes summarised participants' experiences: 'Treated like an alien' reflected the isolation and stigma felt by women. The additive and multiplying impacts of stillbirth and fistula and the ways in which women coped with their situations were summarised in 'Shattered dreams'. The impact of beliefs and practices of women and those around them were encapsulated in 'It was not written on my forehead'. Conclusion: The distress women experienced following the death of a baby was intensified by the development of a fistula. Health professionals lacked an understanding of the pathophysiology and identification of fistula and its association with stillbirth. Women were isolated as they were stigmatised and blamed for both conditions. Difficulty accessing follow‐up care meant that women suffered for long periods while living with a constant reminder of their baby's death. Cultural beliefs, faith and family support affected women's resilience, mental health and recovery. Specialist services, staff training and inclusive policies are needed to improve knowledge and awareness and enhance women's experiences. Patient or Public Contribution: A Community Engagement and Involvement group of bereaved mothers with lived experience of stillbirth and neonatal death assisted with the review of the study protocol, participant‐facing materials and confirmation of findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To establish knowledge and practice of contraception among patients presenting with a fistula attending fistula care services at 4 centers in Kenya. Methods: In a descriptive cohort study carried out between January and December 2011, patients presenting with a history of urine and/or stool leakage were screened and those with confirmed diagnosis of fistula were assessed and prepared for surgery. Informed consent was obtained from study participants before surgical intervention. After surgery, a standard questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographics, duration of leakage, and reproductive health practices. Results: A total of 206 patients were interviewed. Most of the patients were young (mean age 22years). Literacy was low: only 1.7% reported tertiary-level education, and 56.7% reported primary-level education. With regard to family planning, 76.2% of patients expressed a willingness to use contraception after fistula repair. Conclusion: Among patients presenting with a fistula in Kenya, the unmet need for family planning was high. There is an urgent need for healthcare providers to integrate family planning services in fistula care programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]