Adkins Cherie S, Doheny Kim K
York College of Pennsylvania, York (Dr Adkins); and The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey (Dr Doheny).
ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 2017 Apr/Jun;40(2):154-167. doi: 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000150.
In this article we report on a study exploring personal narratives of mothers of former preterm infants and the attributed meaning related to that experience over time. Using narrative inquiry as the research method, in-depth, unstructured interviews were conducted with 6 preterm mothers. Findings reveal that a preterm mother's experience is informed by contextual, intrapersonal, and interpersonal dynamics, some predating the birth often with effects that continue for years beyond it. By learning a preterm mother's unique experience and its attributed meaning, nurses can better understand the resulting effect on maternal/family health and well-being and tailor nursing interventions accordingly.