Needs Related to Child Rearing in Mothers with Cerebral Palsy Children Discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit （NICU）by Focusing on Infant Stage

Abstract

Objective: To reveal needs related to child rearing mothers with cerebral palsy children discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit（NICU）and at home from infancy.

Method: A qualitative descriptive approach was employed with descriptive analysis. Participants were six mothers of first-born children（3 years）with cerebral palsy, of whom four and two had extremely low birth weight and neonatal asphyxia, respectively. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews.

Results: Needs related to child rearing in mothers with cerebral palsy children were classified into nine main categories. 《Supplying enough milk and food》《keep relaxed by stopping crying》《relief muscle tonus, taking a bath and going out safely》were related to the following needs, and indicated mothers’ willingness to meet children’s basic requirements such as diet, sleeping patterns and cleanliness, and ability to go out safely in daily life. There were characteristic causal starting classic symptoms gradually found in the central nervous system after leaving the hospital. The mother’s mind changed when she recognized the child’s mortal impairment,《performing strenuous effort for children’s growth》through effective rehabilitation at facilities for care and education. 《Feeling about the children’s development and future perspectives》have continued from birth up to the present. 《Understanding and cooperation among family members》《receiving peace of mind regarding medical condition and child rearing from medical staff》, and《meeting other mothers who can share their troubles and concerns》《receiving suitable services for the family and children rearing situation》were concerned in child rearing environment.

Discussion: Newborns with extremely low birth weight and/or neonatal asphyxia are at risk for cerebral palsy, and early intervention and appropriate support are therefore necessary throughout the course of their development. Also suggested is the need for collaborative approaches involving clinical and community nurses.