Original Research
Mothers' perceptions of their premature infant's communication: A description of two cases
Submitted: 10 October 2017 | Published: 11 October 2016
About the author(s)
Michelle Pascoe, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, South AfricaDivya Bissessur, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Pat Mayers, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Full Text:
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Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted with two mother—infant dyads.Three visits took place in the first year of life. Subjective maternal reports were obtained through semi-structured interviews.
Results: Differences in the two mothers' perceptions were noted. The mothers described helping their infants to communicate through physical contact and talking. Risk and protective factors for early communication development are discussed in relation to the findings.
Conclusion: The findings support the need for a healthy mothereinfant relationship in the first few months of life. Health professionals should support premature infants and their families after discharge in order to help them interact with their infants and encourage attachment and bonding.
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