The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the experiences of first-time mothers with
colic infants. Based on the results, implications for clinical practice are described for the clinical
psychologist with regards to providing psychological support for these mothers. The research
design is qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual. Data was collected by means of in-depth,
semi-structured, phenomenological interviews and a descriptive analysis was done. The
results show that the real versus the imagined experience of having a baby does not meet
mothers' expectations. Furthermore, a colic baby elicits numerous anxieties including anxiety
about the baby being damaged/ill, the feeding and leaving the baby in the care of others.
Mothers battle with feelings of failure, which may be compounded by a stressful labour/delivery.
Multiple attempts to soothe the baby or find an effective treatment result in feelings of
helplessness and inadequacy. In turn, hopelessness and depression result. Mothers also
perceive others' making judgments about their ability as a mother, while anxiety about failure
undermines their capacity to accept support. Furthermore, mothers require affirmation from their
baby. Their continued search for a cure offers hope that understanding and control can be
gained. However, conflicting information and advice leave them feeling anxious and
overwhelmed. Moreover, mothers feel disillusioned with medical personnel and the profession.
Both medical and psychological factors are perceived as possible causes of, or contributing
factors to, colic, and mothers experience guilt that stressors during their pregnancy may have
contributed to their babies' being colicky. In addition, colic is seen as a punishment for perceived
wrongdoings during pregnancy. Given the above, mothers need a containing figure, a function
fulfilled by some husbands. If their own mothers are unavailable to contain their anxieties,
substitute figures are found. In addition, practical support is experienced as helpful. Regarding
maternal grandmothers, mothers identify with them, resulting in a new understanding of them
and of the mother-daughter relationship. They also draw on their mothers' perception of their
childhood experiences as positive or negative role models of parenting. Mothers feel ambivalent
regarding the baby. They exhibit empathy although they perceive the baby as demanding,
intrinsically difficult or rejecting. Consequently, mothers experience feelings of rage, resulting in
fears of losing control and harming or abandoning the baby. These negative feelings are
perceived as impacting on empathy for and bonding with the baby and result in feelings of
shame and guilt. A colic baby is a source of stress in the couple's relationship, resulting in
strained marital relations. Lastly, mothers renegotiate their identity as women and mothers.
Several psychological defence mechanisms are used as a means of resolving emotional conflict
and anxiety, and maintaining self-esteem. Clinical implications include adopting parent-infant
psychotherapy as a framework for providing psychological support for these mothers. The study
concludes that the colic period is stressful, places strain on the marital relationship and may
pose a risk to the parent-infant relationship and child development. Lastly, psychological based
interventions should be included as a resource for these mothers. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/723 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Cox, Leigh |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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