Child health and development record book: tool for relationship building between nurse and mother

This paper is a report of a study of the role and impact of the child health and development record book in New Zealand society since its inception.

Nurses working in child health roles in New Zealand use child health and development record books to record advice and developmental characteristics of children as they grow. The book has been used since 1921, but there has been no exploration of how it has been used by nurses or mothers.

Using an oral history approach, 35 participants ranging from 30 to 84 years of age were interviewed. Data were collected from November 2004 to December 2005, with follow-up interviews in 2006.

The book plays an important role in the relationship between mother and nurse. It is used as a point of commonality that supports the efforts of both as they work toward establishing an effective relationship, as a tool of practice, and as a means of building strength within families.

Mothers read, reflect upon and reminisce with child health and development record books for generations. Nurses must consider the ways in which they currently use these record books, remaining mindful of both the short-term and potential long-term impact their notes may have on mothers.