When interpersonal skills fail

Abstract

Mary was 25 years old and pregnant with her first baby. She was delighted to be pregnant and was intending to breastfeed. When she was 22 weeks pregnant, she discovered that her partner had had an affair with an HIV/AIDS infected woman who had died recently. Mary was convinced that her baby had developed an HIV infection and kept asking the midwives to do something with her baby. Mary needed information, advice and support. The midwives were at a loss about what to do or with whom Mary should discuss the situation.