Maternal expectations of the child health nurse

The main aim of this study was to identify what first-time mothers in Sweden expected of Child Health Nurses. A further aim was to investigate what help and support was received by the new mothers and whether they felt that anything was missing. Twenty new mothers were interviewed according to grounded theory and the data were analyzed by the constant comparative method. It was found that first-time mothers expected Child Health Nurses to have faith in a new mother's own strength and to be accessible, approachable and knowledgeable, providing advice and support. New mothers indicated that they had experienced most of these characteristics, especially accessibility and approachability, but some felt that there were deficiencies (e.g. a lack of continued interest in their own bodies and health, as well as a lack of support when they ceased to breast-feed). The Child Health Service was taken for granted by new mothers. First-time mothers indicated that they appreciated the service, particularly those mothers who did not have a good social network. However, some of the new mothers expressed negative feelings regarding the Child Health Service provided.