Mothers of infants with congenital heart defects: well-being from pregnancy through the child’s first six months

Abstract

Joy and life satisfaction remained intact among mothers of children with CHD. Yet, elevated feelings of anger in mothers of children with the most severe CHD suggest that they may experience more frustration.

Experiences of mothers of infants with congenital heart disease before, during, and after complex cardiac surgery

“…Of note, several stressors identified in previous studies (apart from the actual diagnosis and surgery) including feedings and post discharge caregiving demands, 16,28 lower socioeconomic status, 7,30 financial issues, 17,19,23 immigration status, 7,30 and anger 24,31 were not mentioned in the journal data in this study except minimal comments about financial issues and care of other children. Perhaps the time lapse of retrospective journaling impacted the mothers' recollection of some negative stressors.…”

Parenting an Infant with a Congenital Anomaly: How are Perceived Burden and Perceived Personal Benefits Related to Parenting Stress?

“…The increased availability of support at a time when it is perceived as needed may help to decrease the isolation that many mothers describe in the post-diagnosis period (Kerr & McIntosh, 2000), and may be reflected in better adjustment, as shown in one prior study with this sample (Fonseca et al, 2014). Additionally, a focus on the child as a source of personal growth and of rewards and affection despite the demands of the parenting experience also fosters a more positive and optimistic view of the situation (Dale et al, 2012), allowing the mobilization of resources (e.g., time, energy, search for information) needed to address the perceived caregiving demands (Kearney & Griffin, 2001), which translates into better maternal adaptation.…”

Transition to motherhood in women with an infant with special care needs

“…Repeated surgical interventions in infants with serious health conditions, long hospitalizations, digestion and sucking problems, and emotional and behavioural problem risks were determined to affect the development of maternity identity in women (Dale et al. ). The results of the present study also confirm the idea that there is a relationship between the severity of the situation and development of the maternity identity and mother–infant attachment.…”

“…Meleis (2010) stated that the support of the immediate environment in the transition process facilitated the adaptation to the process. While having a baby with a serious condition may lead to a decrease in social support and relationship satisfaction, it may also cause an increase in leaving work and economic problems (Dale et al 2012). The mothers whose infants were in NICU whose husbands provided physical, psychological and social support adapted more easily to the situation (Feeley et al 2012).…”