Psychological Well-being Of Mothers Research Articles

MENTAL HEALTH RESILIENCE OF MOTHERS CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Families with children who have special needs encounter intricate difficulties in providing care and assistance to their children. The psychological well-being of mothers who provide care for children with special needs is a significant area of concern, given the pivotal role they play in the child's care and overall growth. The objective of this study is to comprehend the psychological fortitude of moms who breastfeed infants with special needs in Indonesia. In this study, a qualitative research methodology is employed, utilizing in-depth interview approaches to gather data from mothers who have children with special needs. The empirical evidence indicates that the resilience levels of these mothers exhibit considerable variation. Resilience is influenced by various elements, such as social support, awareness of the child's illness, and the capacity to cope with stress. These mothers exhibit resilience and the capacity to recover from daily demands and hardships. They depend on familial support, religious faith, companionship, and community, and cultivate efficient mechanisms for managing challenges. Despite experiencing significant levels of stress, these mothers demonstrate unwavering dedication to ensuring optimal care for their children.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Assertiveness Training and Logotherapy on Cognitive Emotional Regulation and Psychological Well-Being in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: The present research aimed to compare the effectiveness of assertiveness training and Logotherapy on cognitive emotional regulation and psychological well-being in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders. Methods: The research design was a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test with a control group. The study population included all mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders in Tehran during the years 2022-2023. Sixty eligible individuals were randomly sampled into three groups: Experimental Group 1, Experimental Group 2, and a Control Group. The research variables were measured using the Gratz and Roemer (2004) Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Ryff (1989) Psychological Well-being Scale. Experimental Groups 1 and 2 received eight 2-hour sessions of Logotherapy and assertiveness training respectively, while the control group received no intervention during this period. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Findings: The results indicated that there was a significant difference in the effectiveness of assertiveness training and Logotherapy on cognitive emotional regulation among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (p = 0.05). There was also a significant difference in the effectiveness of assertiveness training and Logotherapy on the psychological well-being of these mothers (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that both assertiveness training and Logotherapy enhance cognitive emotional regulation, with Logotherapy being a more effective method for increasing psychological well-being compared to assertiveness training.

Midwifery Care: Elevating Homebirth as a Safe, Cost-Effective Model for Healthy Pregnancies

In recent years, the conversation surrounding childbirth has evolved, with more families exploring options beyond the conventional hospital setting. Midwifery care and homebirths, though often misunderstood, present a compelling, safe, and cost-effective model that aligns with both physiological and psychological well-being of mothers and infants. As a public health professional and a mother who has personally experienced the transformative power of midwifery care, I believe it’s time to elevate homebirth as a mainstream option.

The role of coping strategies in the relationship between attachment style and psychological well-being in mothers of children with autism

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between attachment style and psychological well-being in mothers of children with autism, as well as the mediating role of maternal coping in this relationship. The pragmatic aim of the research was to provide theoretical and practical information regarding the attachment style, coping, and well-being of families who have children with autism especially mothers, as they are most often involved in the care and upbringing of these children. The present study is a correlational, cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 113 mothers of autistic children aged between 22 and 51 years, M = 39.78, SD = 4.89. The children’s ages ranged between three and 14 years, M = 10.61, SD = 2.65. A number of 66 children were boys (58%) and 47 were girls (42%). The instruments used were the Psychological Well-being Scale (PWBS), Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), Brief COPE. The multiple linear regression showed that only the secure attachment of mothers is a significant predictor of well-being. Mediation analyses showed that neither adaptive nor maladaptive coping mediates the relationship between attachment style and well-being. In conclusion, we discussed the limitations and future research direction and also the importance of preserving higher well-being in mothers of children with autism.

Long-Term Effects of Child Early Surgical Ventricular Septal Defect Repair on Maternal Stress.

The ventricular septal defect (VSD) represents the most common congenital heart defect (CHD). The diagnosis of and cardiac surgery for their child's VSD are highly stressful experiences for parents; especially mothers, who are at risk of developing long-lasting stress-related symptoms. This study examined long-term alterations in maternal stress including self-reported psychological and biophysiological stress levels in a case-control design. We investigated 24 mothers of children with an isolated, surgically corrected VSD compared to non-affected controls. Maternal self-reports on psychopathology, everyday stress, parenting stress and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) were measured during children's primary school age (6-9 years, t1) and early adolescence (10-14 years, t2). In maternal self-reports, psychopathology and stress symptoms in the VSD-group and controls were comparable at t1, whereas at t2, mothers in the VSD-group even showed a decrease in psychopathology. Maternal HCC levels in the VSD-group were significantly lower (hypocortisolism) than HCC levels of controls at t1. This effect was no longer observed at t2 reflecting an approximation of HCC levels in the VSD-group to controls' levels. This study highlights the potential for improved stress hormone balance and psychological well-being in mothers following their child's surgical VSD repair. However, the need for parent-centered interventions is discussed, particularly during peri-operative phases and in early child developmental stages.

Pengaruh Caregiver Burden Terhadap Psychological Well-Being Dimoderatori Oleh Resiliensi Pada Ibu Generasi Sandwich

This study aims to determine the moderating effect of resilience on the relationship between caregiver burden and psychological well-being in mothers of the sandwich generation. Providing care for two generations simultaneously leads to a decrease in psychological well-being triggered by the caregiver burden experienced by mothers of the sandwich generation. The presence of resilience in individuals can enhance psychological well-being even when they are still experiencing caregiver burden. This quantitative study utilized a survey method with questionnaires, including the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers short scale, Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Resilience Scale, which were administered to 130 Indonesian married housewives aged 30 to 55 years old, who were simultaneously taking care of and living with both their parents/in-laws and children. Data analysis was performed using moderator analysis techniques with the assistance of the statistical software Jamovi for Windows version 3.2.28. The results of the study indicate that caregiver burden has a negative impact on the psychological well-being of mothers in the sandwich generation. Furthermore, the resilience of mothers in the sandwich generation has a positive influence on psychological well-being, but resilience does not moderate the influence of caregiver burden and psychological well-being

The relationship of psychological well-being and cognitive emotions with breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers in the postpartum period.

To determine the relationship of psychological well-being and cognitive emotion regulation and breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers in the postpartum period. The research was designed as cross-sectional and correlational and carried out between 1 November 2021 and 1 January 2022 in the pediatric outpatient clinic of a Medical Faculty Hospital of a province in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey. Responses from a total of 325 mothers who were in postpartum 1-6 months were analyzed. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). The following factors were found to be important associated risk factors that negatively affected breastfeeding self-efficacy in 29% of the mothers (F=14.536, p<.001): mothers' poor mental health, using self-blaming maladaptive cognitive coping strategy, inability to use positive reappraisal coping strategy, and feeding the baby only formula or both breast milk and formula. Weak and positive correlations were found between psychological well-being of mothers and adaptive cognitive coping subdimensions, and negative and weak correlations were found between psychological well-being of the mothers and maladaptive cognitive coping subdimensions (p<.001). Breastfeeding self-efficacy of mothers in a well psychological state, who can use adaptive cognitive coping strategies, and who exclusively breastfeed their babies is positively affected.

QUALITY OF LIFE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG MOTHERS HAVING CHILDREN WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES

Abstract&#x0D; &#x0D; Background and Purpose: The Psychological well-being is a multi-dimensional concept it includes various ,aspects such as optimism, self-control, happiness, sense of interests, free of failures, anxiety and loneliness have been considered as the special aspects of well-being) (Bordbar, Nikkar, Yazdani, &amp; Alipoor, 2011).Since the purpose of the study was to assess the Quality of Life (QOL)and Psychological Well-Being of mothers having children with multiple disabilities. Disabilities in children cause not only financial burden but also leads to incomplete state of wellbeing in physical health, psychological health and social health of the families. Methodology: The study used a purposive sampling technique and total sample of 70 mothers having children with multiple disabilities were included in the current study.The instruments used for the data collection was WHOQOL- BREF and PWSB -scale the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, mean and standard deviations using SPSS 21.0. Results: The result illustrated that 10% mothers demonstrated very poor quality of life while 24% showed their life in neither good nor bad. 5% mothers perceived their life is good and 30% mothers had very good quality of life and very few i.e. 5% of mothers having children with multiple disabilities expressed very poor quality of life. Beside this 31% mother’s poor quality of life and psychological wellbeing .The result of the current study also depicts that poor psychological wellbeing and poor quality of life were observed in between physical disability group as compared to normal group mothers. Mothers having children with multiple disabilities displayed significant impairment in their quality of life especially in the area oflfe. Conclusion: The recent study's findings will be beneficial in creating effective interventions and policy decisions to enhance the quality of life for mothers of children with multiple disabilities

SUPPORT GROUP DAN PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL BEING IBU DARI ANAK TULI DITINJAU DARI STRATEGI COPING

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of support groups on psychological well-being of mothers of deaf children in terms of coping strategies. This study used a pre-experimental design method (quasi-experimental). The experimental design type is the one group pretest-postest type. This type of design used only one experimental group and took measurements before and after the treatment of the subjects. This study was conducted on mothers of deaf children who had low and moderate psychological well-being with a total sample of 30 people using the purposive sampling method. The results showed that the first hypothesis using independent sample t-test analysis was accepted, meaning that the support group was effective in improving psychological well-being in mothers of deaf children. The results of the second hypothesis test using independent sample T-test analysis were accepted, meaning that there was no difference in psychological well-being improvement among mothers of Deaf children who used problem focused coping and emotion focused coping.

Psychological Well-being of Mothers with Low Birth Weight (LBW) Infants Using DASS-21 Scales

Introduction: Every pregnant mother want their baby normal and healthy when is born. As a consequence, when their infants were premature and LBW, requiring hospitalization, especially in the NICU or SCN, it turned into a stressful situation that could lead to psychological suffering and emotional breakdown. Currently, research in Malaysia focuses on the prevalence of LBW; however, insufficient research on the psychological well-being of mothers with LBW has been conducted. Method: A cross-sectional study design with 130 respondents was selected using convenience sampling at SCN, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab 11, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The DASS-21 scale was used. Result: A Chi-Square was performed and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. For depression, the percentage of mothers reporting symptoms on the DASS-21 scales in the mild group was 18 (13.8 %), moderate at 20 (15.4 %), and severe at 4 (3.1 %), respectively. Anxiety was prominent in the mild group at 11(8.5 %), moderate at 39(30.0%), severe at 14(10.8 %), and extremely severe at 12(9.2 % ). Meanwhile, mild stress symptoms were reported by 29 (22.3 %), moderate by 15 (11.5 %), and severe by 6 (4.6 %). The association between maternal age and anxiety (p=0.036), maternal age, and stress (p=0.041) was shown to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The majority of respondents in this study had anxiety rather than depression or stress. The study’s information will help healthcare practitioners in developing effective intervention strategies to address the issue of psychological well-being among mothers of LBW infants.

유아기 자녀를 둔 어머니의 공감능력과 양육효능감이 심리적 안녕감에 미치는 영향

This study attempted to investigate the effect of empathy ability and parenting efficacy on psychological well-being of mothers with young children. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 276 mothers of child aged 3 to 5 years old at institutions located in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Daegu, and Gyeongsangbuk-do. The collected data were the SPSS 28.0 program, and descriptive statistics analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were conducted. As the main results, first, there was a significant positive correlation between the mother's psychological well-being, empathy ability, and parenting efficacy. Second, it was found that the mother's empathy ability and parenting efficacy both affected psychological well-being, and the total explanatory power of these factors was about 57%. Among the sub-factors, emotional empathy among the mother's empathy ability and parenting efficacy, love efficacy and overall efficacy were found to be influencing factors. The relative explanatory power of these factors for psychological well-being is overall parenting efficacy, Emotional Empathy, Love. It was predicted to be large in order of factors. In order to promote, mothers themselves recognize the importance of efforts to enhance empathy and develop parenting efficacy in mother-child interactions or other interpersonal relationships. This suggests the need to develop and distribute parental counseling or parent education programs that can support this.

The lived experiences of mothers who have children with congenital abnormalities in the Gert Sibande district

BackgroundMothers are regarded as primary care givers. The experience of having a child with congenital abnormality may have an impact on their psychological well-being. It was observed that the psychological well-being of mothers is often unattended by health professionals, including nurses and their families. Mothers make adjustments in their daily lives to ensure the child’s activities of daily living are attended. Therefore, this raises the need for the experience of mothers who have children with congenital abnormalities in the Gert Sibande district to be explored. Gert Sibande was chosen because it has been observed that several mothers who visit the clinic and outpatient department have children with congenital abnormalities.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of mothers who have children with congenital abnormalities.MethodA phenomenological study was conducted. Purposive sampling of 12 participants was done. The study used adjusted ecological model of health for guidance. Data gathering was done by self-report using unstructured face-to-face interviews until data saturation was reached.ResultsFive themes emerged from the study, which include ‘being hurt emotionally’, ‘sense of guilt’, ‘acceptance’, ‘support from family’ and ‘community reaction to the congenital abnormality’. The findings show that mothers were affected by having children with congenital abnormalities.ConclusionThe study revealed that mothers of children with congenital abnormalities experienced devastation, denial, guilt and lack of acceptance of their child’s condition. The study indicates that mothers require support from health care professionals, family and the community.

The Role of Gratitude and Family Support on Psychological Well-Being of Mothers with Autistic Children

Having a child with an autistic spectrum disorder is a challenge for parents, especially mothers, which can hinder the fulfillment of optimal psychological functions so that the mother’s psychological well-being is disturbed. Internal situations such as gratitude and the presence of external support from the family can be factors that can encourage increased psychological well-being in mothers. This study observed the effects of gratitude and family support on mothers’ psychological well-being with children with an autism spectrum disorder. The instruments in this study used the gratitude scale, the family support scale and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales-short version distributed online. The subject in this study was 98 people, and the data collected were analyzed using the Doubled Linear Regression test using JASP software. The results showed the significance value of p0.05; thus, gratitude and family support had a role or effect on mothers’ psychological well-being with children with an autism spectrum disorder. Meanwhile, the effective contribution for gratitude was 17.39%, and family support was 21.53%. For future research, gratitude and emotion-based therapies such as emotion regulation training can be used as an intervention in experimental research to improve psychological well-being.

Mothers\u2019 interoceptive sensibility mediates affective interaction between mother and infant

Interoceptive sensibility, which denotes the self-perceived sensitivity to inner-body sensations, has been associated with the emotional experiences and inferences of others’ emotional states. Focusing on the role of interoceptive sensibility in the emotional states and psychological well-being of mothers during caregiving, this study explores how physiological arousal and interoceptive sensibility mediate the association between mother–infant interaction and maternal well-being using an experience sampling method. Infant-directed-singing (IDS) with social touch was used to facilitate mother–infant interaction. Pairs of 2–8-month-old infants and their mothers participated. Mothers in an IDS group (N = 25) and a no-IDS group (N = 26) recorded their and the infant’s daily feelings and physiological states using a smartphone application for one month. All participants, including the control group (N = 78) who neither performed IDS nor used the application, answered the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness questionnaire before and after the recording period. Results indicated that IDS improved mother–infant interactions and positive feelings, enhancing maternal physiological arousal. Increased interoceptive sensibility enhanced infants’ positive feelings in the IDS group, whereas in the no-IDS group, it weakened mother’s positive feelings, suggesting that maternal interoceptive sensibility mediated the effects of IDS on mother and infant well-being.

Personal resources of psychological well-being of mothers raising children with disabilities

Introduction. In recent years, there has been a steady growth trend in the number of children with disabilities. Accordingly, the number of families raising such children is also increasing. The studies available show protracted crisis situation in these families, which negatively affects the psychological state and social activity of parents of children with disabilities, especially mothers, who, as a rule, fall into the risk group of psychological distress. This article presents the results of a study of the personal characteristics of women-mothers raising children with disabilities, which can contribute to maintaining their psychological well-being. The initial theoretical and methodological provisions for the research were, on the one hand, the works of modern psychologists, which reveal the essence of the phenomenon of psychological well – being and its structure, as well as identify its determining factors, including the individual's personal resources, and, on the other, conclusions regarding typical problems and psychological characteristics of parents raising children with developmental disabilities.Materials and Methods. The basis of the study was a comparative method using a set of methods for collecting factual data: “Scales of mental well-being” by K.Riff (modified by T.D.Shevelenkovo, P.P.Fesenko); “Type of role victimization” by M.A.Odintsova, N.P.Radchikova; “Cognitive orientation (locus of control)” by J.Rotter; “The scale of religious orientation” by G.Allport and D.Ross. The sample consisted of mothers of children with disabilities and disabilities – 107 people and mothers of children without disabilities and disabilities – 121 people.Results. It was found that, in comparison with the subjects of the control group, mothers of children with disabilities and disabilities have lower indicators of psychological well-being, while most of them are "victim" personalities, with an external locus of control and external or inconsistent religiosity. As important personal resources for the psychological well-being of women-mothers raising children with disabilities, a non-victim personality type, internal religiosity or orientation to other (non-religious) values are identified, the identification of which is thought to be a prospect for further research.Discussion and Conclusions. On the basis of the obtained data, the necessity of providing comprehensive medical and psychological assistance to women-mothers raising children with disabilities in order to optimize their personal resources and increase psychological well-being is proved.

Özel Gereksinimli Çocuğu Olan Annelerde Bütünlük Duygusu ve Psikolojik İyi Oluş: İyimserliğin Aracı Rolü

Bu araştırmanın amacı, özel gereksinimli çocuğu olan annelerin bütünlük duygusu ve psikolojik iyi oluşları (olumlu duygular, bağlanma, olumlu ilişkiler, anlam ve başarı) arasındaki ilişkide iyimserliğin aracı etkisini incelemektir. Araştırmaya bedensel engelli (n = 28), Down sendromlu (n = 12), otizmli (n = 29) ve zihinsel engelli (n = 40) çocuğu olan 109 anne katılmıştır. Araştırmada veri toplama araçları olarak Bireysel Bütünlük Duygusu Ölçeği, Yaşam Yönelimi Testi ve PERMA ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Değişkenler arası ilişkileri incelemek için Pearson Çarpım Momentler Korelasyon analizi ve Preacher ve Hayes'in (2008) önerileri doğrultusunda aracılık analizleri gerçekleştirilmiş, dolaylı etkilerin anlamlılığını incelemek için 5000 bootstrap yapılarak bootstrap katsayısı ve güven aralıkları belirlenmiştir. Araştırma sonuçları, özel gereksinimli çocuğu olan annelerin bütünlük duygusu ve psikolojik iyi oluşları (olumlu duygular, bağlanma, başarı) arasındaki ilişkide iyimserliğin aracı etkisinin olduğunu göstermektedir.

Psychological Well-being of Mothers with Autistic Children

Severe stress and depression are common phenomena among mothers of children diagnosed with autism. As a consequence, adequate support becomes necessary in ensuring balanced mental health. Furthermore, religiosity and resilience are key factors influencing psychological well-being development, particularly for mothers, related to self-acceptance, personal development, life goals, understanding of the environment, independence, and positive relationships. Therefore, the objective of this research was to examine the theoretical model of religiosity's effect on psychological well-being with resilience as a mediator for mothers with autistic children in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi. The purposive sampling technique was applied to 184 respondents with a psychological scale. Also, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to assess relevant data, using analysis of moment structure (AMOS v.24). The results were reported to successfully and empirically matched the study objectives. These observations showed mothers in this circumstance were expected to intensely develop resilience by religiosity commitment, and therefore, instigating a very significant psychological well-being.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 19 July 2021 / Accepted: 13 September 2021 / Published: 5 November 2021

Peer support for the primiparous mother with postpartum depression: a scoping review

Postpartum depression is a global problem throughout the world. Research studies have found that based on this background, the researchers would know peer support for primiparous mothers with postpartum depression. This scooping review method used the framework from Arksey and O'Malley focusing on the PICO framework. Result: it showed that peer support for primiparous mothers with postpartum depression was very limited. Conclusion: This support is expected to be able to realize the biological and psychological well-being of mothers in the face of postpartum depression and to adapt their changing roles and minimize the occurrence of postpartum depression.

Actor-Partner Effects of Mother-Adolescent Communication and Conflict on Psychological Well-Being for Mothers and Male/Female Adolescents

Objectives: Guided by the family systems theory (Bowen, 1966) and the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Cook &amp; Kenny, 2005), this study examined the actor-partner effects of mother-adolescent communication on the psychological well-being of mothers and their adolescent children via mother-adolescent conflict and the differences between female and male adolescents.Methods: A total of 249 dyads of mothers and their adolescent children (age 13-16) in South Korea completed questionnaires on mother-adolescent communication, mother-adolescent conflict, and psychological well-being, respectively. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, path model analysis, and multiple group analysis.Results: First, the findings showed both partial actor and partner effects of perceived mother-adolescent communication on psychological well-being through a perceived level of conflict in both male and female adolescents and mother pairs. In addition, we examined sex differences for the aforementioned indirect pathways. There were sex differences in the indirect actor effects, in that mothers’ and adolescents’ own perceived communication had differential effects on psychological well-being indirectly through perceived conflict. The indirect partner effects also differed between male and female adolescents. The results of this study are meaningful because they emphasize the bidirectionality of the relationships among these variables.Conclusion: The findings contribute to the literature by highlighting the dyadic process in which mother-adolescent communication, conflict, and psychological well-being perceived by mothers and adolescents affect themselves as well as each other. This study is meaningful because the results emphasize the relationships between these variables. In utilizing a family systems approach, this study’s findings can aid in developing parent education programs, counseling interventions, and family policies that improve individuals’ psychological well-being.

Effect of a Brief Supportive and Educational Intervention on the Psychological Well-Being of Mothers with Babies in Neonatal Wards of a Tertiary Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of a supportive educational intervention on the psychological wellbeing of mothers whose babies were admitted to Neonatal Care Unit (NCU) in Nigeria.METHODSControlled trial involving 41 mothers whose babies were consecutively admitted into two NCUs (21 in the intervention group and 19 controls). The intervention group received two group-based sessions which included psychological coping strategies, and familiarity with NCU environment, equipment, personnel and procedures. The control group received usual care. Outcome measures were depressive symptoms (Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale—EPDS), stress-related to NCU (Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit—PSS: NICU) and post-traumatic symptoms (Impact Event Scale-Revised—IES-R).RESULTSDifference-in-Differences (DiD) analysis showed a difference of −4.70 in PSS: NICU score in favour of the intervention group which was statistically significant [F(3, 75) = 9.47, p < 0.0001, R2 = 0.28]. The differences in EPDS (0.91) and IES-R (2.55) were not statistically significant [F(3, 75) = 10.10, p = 0.74] and [F(3, 75) = 10.13, p = 0.73], respectively. All the mothers in the treatment group expressed satisfaction with the intervention.CONCLUSIONThis brief group-based supportive educational intervention for mothers with babies in NCU was feasible, acceptable and helpful in reducing stress related to NCU. Larger controlled trials are recommended to establish the generalizability of these findings in this region.LAY SUMMARYBabies born too early and or with complications require admission to special hospital called Neonatal Care Unit (NCU) to help them to survive. However, parents whose babies are admitted to NCU can find the experience frightening. We examined how to reduce the fear and stress mothers in Nigeria experience when their babies are admitted to NCU.We had two groups of mothers. The first group made up of 21 mothers was taught how to cope with the stress of having a baby in NCU. They were also shown how the various equipment in the NCU work, what the staff in NCU do and what types of things need to be done to help their babies. The second group of 19 mothers received usual care but did not have the extra teaching the first group received. After 2 weeks, we checked the level of depression and stress the mothers in both groups had compared with the level before the first group received the extra teaching.We found that mothers in the first group who received the extra teaching were less stressed about having their babies in the NCU compared with the mothers that did not receive the teaching.