Through a Mother's Lens: A Qualitative Analysis Reveals How Temporal Experience Shifts When a Boy Born Preterm Has Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

We present a qualitative case study of one woman's experience of bringing up a child with cystic fibrosis (CF), born prematurely, using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). This mother's existential account portrays time sequences for developmental milestones and synchronization of lifecycle events as atypical. Her perception of her child fluctuated radically; illness seemed to displace time, which collapsed with adversity. The temporal relations of CF and preterm birth are blurred at certain points. Although the challenge of compromised health may in some ways have promoted her son's development, his immature self-expression moved this mother towards an insider perspective of his experience. Cystic fibrosis is an ominous presence that demands respect even when the child is well. Anticipating the psychological impact of biomedical interventions can help to minimize trauma and maximize adaptation. Talking and play at transitional time points may assist the way parents and children assimilate temporal disruptions.