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Maternal emotional responses to preterm birth
David R Pederson1, Sandi Bento1, Graham W Chance1
1University of Western Ontario.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Mothers of preterm infants prioritized their baby's survival over personal well-being. Key support systems identified included husbands, parents, and church members during neonatal intensive care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Maternal Health
- Infant Survival
Background:
- Preterm birth presents significant challenges for infants and their families.
- Neonatal intensive care (NICU) environments are stressful for parents.
- Understanding maternal concerns is crucial for supportive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the primary concerns of mothers with preterm infants before NICU discharge.
- To identify the main sources of social support for these mothers.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews conducted with mothers of 144 preterm infants.
- Interviews focused on maternal concerns and perceived support systems.
- Data collected prior to infant discharge from neonatal intensive care.
Main Results:
- Maternal concerns predominantly focused on infant survival, not personal welfare.
- Husbands, parents, and church members were identified as primary support sources.
- The degree of neonatal illness influenced maternal concerns.
Conclusions:
- Mothers of preterm infants exhibit a strong focus on infant survival during NICU stays.
- Social support networks play a vital role in maternal coping.
- Targeted support interventions should acknowledge these maternal priorities and support systems.