A mother's journey: The meaning of having a baby born too soon for postnatal women in Malawi
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2024Access:
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Trainor, Jennifer Michelle, A mother's journey: The meaning of having a baby born too soon for postnatal women in Malawi, Trinity College Dublin, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Nursing, 2024Download Item:
Abstract:
Background: Preterm birth remains a critical global health challenge, particularly in resource-constrained settings such as Malawi, where maternal and neonatal healthcare resources are often limited. While it is undeniably crucial to understand the epidemiological landscape of preterm birth, the incidence, causes and possible control of perceived risk factors showcase one aspect of a complex issue. Birth statistics do not account for a woman's personal meaning or experience of preterm birth. As such, this study aimed to explore mothers' lived experiences of having a preterm baby and to illuminate the meaning of their preterm birth experience in Malawi. Methods: Sixteen postnatal mothers, from the Blantyre district in southern Malawi, who believed to have given birth too soon, were purposively selected as participants for the study. In-depth, unstructured interviews were utilised to capture their experiences of giving birth to a preterm birth baby. The research process embraced the principles of Gadamerian hermeneutics, emphasising a collaborative and dialogical approach to data interpretation and analysis. Findings: The study uncovered a central theme defining the preterm birth experience as the unexpected journey. This overarching narrative was further delineated by four themes: something is wrong, the unforeseen birth, walking through the unknown, and stepping into the clearing. The findings highlighted the profound impact of preterm birth on the lives of mothers in Malawi. Conclusion: The experience of preterm birth unveiled a complex journey that was marked by a range of sentiments, including anxiety, hope, and resilience, profoundly impacting the well-being of both the infant and the mother throughout each challenging phase. By recognising the complexities surrounding preterm birth, this study demonstrated the necessity for further women-centred research and the development of culturally tailored interventions to improve the outcomes and experiences of those affected by this phenomenon.
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1252 Scholarship
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https://tcdlocalportal.tcd.ie/pls/EnterApex/f?p=800:71:0::::P71_USERNAME:TRAINORJDescription:
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Sheerin, FintanBrady, Vivienne
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Trinity College Dublin. School of Nursing & Midwifery. Discipline of NursingType of material:
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