Frequency of illness in mother-infant dyads

The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency and types of illnesses experienced by mothers and their infants who were in the second half of the first year of life, the actions taken concerning these illnesses, the number of days the mother was hospitalized or in bed because of illness, and the subjective health status of both as rated by the mothers. During home visits mothers (N = 182) completed the Health Status Interview. They were asked about infant and maternal illness in the previous month and the actions taken in response to them. The number and types of illnesses reported indicate that mothers of full-term infants who were healthy at birth must deal with a number of minor illnesses in themselves and in their infants. The possible relationship of maternal illness to stress is discussed and suggestions are given for interventions by health professionals.