Mothers' lived experiences of support when living with young children with congenital heart defects

The purpose of this study was to illuminate the meanings of support as disclosed by mothers of children with congenital heart defects (CHD).

Narrative interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of children with CHD. A phenomenological-hermeneutic method was used for interpretation of the transcribed interviews.

The comprehensive understanding of mothers' lived experiences of support emerged as the experiences of receiving good support, receiving "poor support," and absence of support.

Mothers receiving person-centered and family-centered care feel more supported and are more likely to adapt to the stresses of parenting a child with CHD.