Mothers' lived experiences of support when living with young children with congenital heart defects

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to illuminate the meanings of support as disclosed by mothers of children with congenital heart defects (CHD).

Design and method: Narrative interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of children with CHD. A phenomenological-hermeneutic method was used for interpretation of the transcribed interviews.

Results: The comprehensive understanding of mothers' lived experiences of support emerged as the experiences of receiving good support, receiving "poor support," and absence of support.

Practice implications: Mothers receiving person-centered and family-centered care feel more supported and are more likely to adapt to the stresses of parenting a child with CHD.

Keywords: Children; congenital heart defect; mother; phenomenological-hermeneutic method; support.