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Does esophageal atresia influence the mother-infant interaction?

Anne Faugli1, Ragnhild Emblem, Marijke Veenstra

  • 1Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. anne.faugli@medisin.uio.no

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|October 18, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Mothers caring for infants with esophageal atresia (EA) showed some interaction challenges, particularly during feeding. Improving maternal support may enhance mother-infant bonding in these families.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Maternal-Infant Interaction

Background:

  • Infant chronic illnesses can impact parent-child relationships.
  • Esophageal atresia (EA) presents unique challenges for infant care and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess mother-infant interaction quality in children with EA.
  • To identify predictors of impaired interaction in mothers of infants with EA.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 37 infants with EA and their mothers, compared to 10 infants with urologic issues.
  • Mother-infant interaction was evaluated during feeding and play using the Parent Child Early Relational Assessment.
  • Maternal psychological distress and anxiety were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire and State Trait Anxiety Inventory.

Main Results:

  • While many interaction aspects were strong, mothers of EA infants showed significantly influenced interaction compared to controls.
  • EA mothers' positive affective involvement, sensitivity, and responsiveness during feeding were of concern.
  • Maternal feelings of incompetence were a small but significant predictor of interaction quality.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal attitudes during feeding were negatively affected in mother-infant dyads with EA.
  • Enhancing maternal support within medical services may improve mother-infant interaction for EA infants.
Abstract

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