Reflections on Parenting among Mothers with Late Preterm, Low-birth-weight Infants

Abstract

Objectives: To elucidate the thoughts of mothers with late preterm (LP) infants of <2,000–2,500 g birth weight about caring for these children and to examine community support for LP infants and their families.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of 4- and 5-year-old LP children with birth weights <2,000–2,500 g who had received continuous support from municipal public health nurses. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively.

Results: The largest response category, “feelings of self-responsibility raised by anxiety about the child’s being born small”, included seven categories. Another large category, “feelings of satisfaction with childcare and a sense of relief accompanying the child’s growth”, consisted of four categories. Mothers reported "self-blame” about their low-birth-weight infants. After giving birth, their thoughts included “awareness of the unexpectedly early birth” and “anxiety when they compared the child with others”. On the other hand, they were “relieved that the child grew well, despite the low birth weight”. The mother’s remorse and relief continued until her child was 4-5 years old.

Conclusion:It was shown that “feelings of self-responsibility raised by anxiety about the child’s being born small” and “feelings of satisfaction with childcare and a sense of relief accompanying the child’s growth” continue until late childhood. Even if the birth weight is 2,000 g or more, it is necessary for the medical institution during hospitalization and the health institution immediately after discharge to listen to the mother’s thoughts and cooperate with the school to identify and support their needs until the child enters school.