As practitioners dedicated to the well-being of children, it is imperative to leverage research findings to improve our practice continually. The study titled "Mothers’ experiences of parenting and everyday life of children born at 23 weeks of gestation – a qualitative descriptive study" provides valuable insights that can significantly enhance outcomes for children born extremely preterm. This blog post delves into the key findings and suggests practical applications for speech-language pathologists and other practitioners working with this unique population.
Key Findings from the Study
The research, conducted with eight mothers of children born at 23 weeks of gestation, revealed several critical themes:
- Emphasizing Strengths in the Midst of Challenges: Despite developmental challenges such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and ADHD, mothers highlighted their children's strengths and milestones.
- Relationships with Peers and Siblings: While peer relationships were often limited and required parental facilitation, siblings played a crucial supportive role.
- Emotional Well-Being and Active Life: Children were generally described as happy and energetic, participating in various activities and therapies.
- Intensive Mothering and Gratitude: Mothers exhibited a dedicated and protective parenting style, driven by gratitude for their child's survival and progress.
- Support from Social Networks and Society: Strong social support systems, including family, healthcare, and educational services, were vital in helping mothers cope with the demands of raising a preterm child.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Based on these findings, practitioners can adopt several strategies to enhance outcomes for children born at 23 weeks:
- Focus on Strengths: Encourage parents to emphasize their child's strengths and milestones. Positive reinforcement can boost the child's self-esteem and motivation.
- Facilitate Peer Relationships: Provide guidance and support to parents in facilitating peer interactions. Structured social skills groups can be beneficial.
- Promote Emotional Well-Being: Incorporate activities that foster emotional well-being and resilience. Mindfulness exercises and play therapy can be effective.
- Support Intensive Parenting: Acknowledge and support the intensive parenting efforts of mothers. Offer resources and training to help them manage their child's needs effectively.
- Leverage Social Support: Connect families with local support groups and community resources. Collaborative care models involving healthcare providers, educators, and therapists can provide comprehensive support.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study offers valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the long-term outcomes of children born at 23 weeks and the effectiveness of various interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting and participating in research studies.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Mothers’ experiences of parenting and everyday life of children born at 23 weeks of gestation – a qualitative descriptive study.
