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. 2017 Apr/Jun;40(2):154-167.
doi: 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000150.

Exploring Preterm Mothers' Personal Narratives: Influences and Meanings

Cherie S Adkins  1 , Kim K Doheny
Affiliations

Exploring Preterm Mothers' Personal Narratives: Influences and Meanings

Cherie S Adkins et al. ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 2017 Apr/Jun.

Abstract

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or the publication of this article.

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