MOTHERHOOD TRANSITIONS

MOTHERHOOD TRANSITIONS

1. Need to Know

   • Changes in mother's life
     • Physical changes
     • Stages of emotional adjustment over time after introduction of infant (Shin & White-Traut, p. 92)
     • New role/responsibilities
   • Special Circumstances
     • Special needs infant (Bhavnani & Newburn, p. 38)
     • Premature or NICU infant (Shin & White-Traut, p. 92)
     • Twins/multiples (Bhavnani & Newburn, p. 38)
     • Infant abuse
     • Mother abuse
     • C-Section/Surgery (Bhavnani & Newburn, p. 38)
     • Disease/condition in mother
   • Stressors
     • Financial
     • Emotional
       • Depression
       • Anxiety
       • Isolation (Bhavnani & Newburn, p. 39)
       • Feelings of helplessness (Shin & White-Traut, p. 92) - Ex. Mother of NICU infant might think her baby might not survive.
         • Fear of bonding with infant (p. 92)
           • Fear
       • Fear
         • Social prejudice ex. associated with having a premature baby (Shin & White-Traut, p. 92)
       • Insecurity (Shin & White-Traut, p. 93)
       • Guilt
       • Apprehension
     • Physical limitations
     • Relational - Ex. marriage, family, friends

2. How do you make it safe?

   • Non-judgemental approach (Bhavnani & Newburn, p. 39)
   • Help mother connect with other mothers (Bhavnani & Newburn, p. 39)
   • Ask open-ended questions
   • Support maternal role and empower the mother (Shin & White-Traut, p. 96)
   • Improving communication between nurse and patient (Swan & McGinley, p. 26)
   • Consideration of socioeconomic status, family dynamics, culture, emotional status, physical well-being
     • Consideration of sleep quality and amount
   • Use relational engagement
     • Compassionate listening and empathy (Bhavnani & Newburn, p. 39)
     • Improving communication between nurse and physicians, hospital staff, and family (Swan & McGinley, p. 26)
     • Encourage maximum involvement in infant care from the very beginning (especially important in NICU circumstances) (Shin & White-Traut, p. 96)

3. Definition

   • Transition: "The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another" (Oxford University Press, 2017)
   • Motherhood: "State of being a mother" (Oxford University Press, 2017)

4. Intervention/Resources

   • Group
     • Weekly empowerment groups (Gardner & Dietrick, p. 27)
     • Intensive mother-infant meetings (Gardner & Dietrick, p. 27)
     • Mindfulness-based stress reduction (Korukcu & Kukulu, p. 782)
       • Focus on breathing techniques, mindful eating, meditation, mindful walking, and training on baby care (p. 782)
   • Individual
     • Education Sessions (Gardner & Dietrick, p. 27)
       • Home visits (Gardner & Dietrick, p. 27)
     • Postpartum Education (Gardner & Dietrick, p. 27)
     • Counselling (Gardner & Dietrick, p. 27)
     • Advocacy
     • Collaboration
     • Patient-centred care planning (Swan & McGinley, p. 27)