How Mothers Respond to Their Crying Infant

Abstract 

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to allow mothers who are at high risk for abusing their child to describe how they manage when their infant cries.

Method

This phenomenologic qualitative study used a focus group design and semi-structured interview format. Participants were seven low-income women with a child enrolled in an urban day care facility, which provided the setting for data collection.

Results

Analyses of the data revealed three themes: (a) activities done to pacify the infant, (b) coping mechanism, and (c) social support available.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that activities (a) may include the infant, such as holding and singing, or (b) may be directed toward the mother, such as using headphones or leaving the room. These activities follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics and are not unique. Social support primarily was provided at the day care facility, supplemented with personal relationships that are tentative. Valued informal and formal interactions with supportive persons provide the emotional and psychosocial support for this at-risk population.