Commentary on "The Influence of Maternal Cognitions Upon Motor Development in Infants Born Preterm: A Scoping Review".

Abstract

“How could I apply this information?” This scoping review affirms what we as physical therapists already know but sometimes forget that, in order to truly care for an infant, we must also care for the mother. Mothers of preterm infants may view their child as fragile long after they are critical, thus offering their infants less mature or varied toys and experiences. Focusing interventions with families understanding their infants' strengths perhaps more than the infant's challenges and scaffolding their learning builds confidence with mothers. This review highlights the maternal stress of having a preterm infant, and evidence presented in this scoping review validates that interventions should include working to understand and positively influence maternal cognition regarding her infant as we know this impacts infant development. Pediatric physical therapists are specialists in infant movement, yet this is never isolated and must be considered within the environment. Further research in this field could focus on intervention for mothers and infants, as certain neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings (private room vs open bay) or routines (the presence of support groups, frequency of therapy sessions) impact maternal cognition at hospital discharge. “What should I be mindful about when applying this information?” From a parent's perspective, this article provides useful information for parents of preemies. Having a preterm infant can feel like such a helpless time. Hearing “your child has an increased risk of developmental problems” can leave you fearful for the future and uncertain of what you can do for your child. This scoping review provides hope that parents can improve their child's development, in ways that intuitively make sense but aren't obvious in the NICU. It is encouraging that so many studies point toward this conclusion, but more research is certainly needed. This article can be helpful in collaborating with parents on things they can easily do in helping their child develop. Kara Boynewicz, PT, DPT Department of Physical Therapy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee Karen Speropulos, PT Niswonger Children's Hospital, Johnson City, Tennessee Jen Hollinger Johnson City, Tennessee Shawn Hollinger, MD Department of Pediatrics, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee