Abstract
Background and Purpose : Although more cases abuse in high-risk babies are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) than among normal babies, few studies have been published comparing motherhood awareness among the 2 types of mothers, We identified ways to support new mothers of high-risk babies in developing sound motherhood awareness.
Subjects and Methods : Subjects were 55 mothers of high-risk newborns and 85 mothers of ten normal delivery administered questionnaires on motherhood awareness, feelings toward children and Japanese versions of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Mothers of high-risk babies were asked to fill out questionnaires 6 and 12 days after birth and mothers of normal babies 5 days after delivery. Questionnaires were collected on the same day or the next. Analysis was made by comparing motherhood awareness, feelings toward babies, and state and anxiety scores through the t-test. Pearson's correlation coefficient on each parameter was calculated separately for the 2 types of mothers.
Results : Mothers of high-risk babies showed a similar level of development of motherhood awareness as mothers of normal babies, satisfied with their pregnancies and deliveries. They were, however, suffering from greater anxiety and could not relax while trying to acquire an appropriate response to specific needs of a baby.
Conclusion : It is necessary to provide nursing care in response to accidental crises among mothers of high-risk babies.
