Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
05:04
A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
How mothers respond to their crying infant
Kerri Wade1, Angela Black, Peggy Ward-Smith
1Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO, USA. wardsmithp@umkc.edu
Summary
High-risk mothers describe coping strategies for infant crying, including pacifying activities and utilizing social support systems. These methods align with pediatric guidelines and offer crucial emotional and psychosocial aid.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Focuses on mothers at high risk for child abuse.
- Examines infant crying as a trigger for maternal stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand how high-risk mothers manage infant crying.
- To identify coping mechanisms and support systems used by these mothers.
Main Methods:
- Phenomenological qualitative study.
- Focus group design with semi-structured interviews.
- Seven low-income mothers with children in urban daycare.
Main Results:
- Identified three key themes: infant pacification activities, maternal coping mechanisms, and available social support.
- Pacifying activities included direct infant interaction (holding, singing) and maternal self-regulation (headphones, leaving room).
- Social support was predominantly from the daycare facility, with tentative personal relationships.
Conclusions:
- Maternal coping strategies for infant crying are consistent with American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.
- Daycare facilities serve as a vital source of formal and informal social support for at-risk mothers.
- Emotional and psychosocial support from valued interactions is crucial for this population.
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