Parents’ experiences of having an excessively crying baby and implications for support services
Journal article
Authors | Garratt, Rosemary, Bamber, Deborah, Powell, Charlotte, Long, Jaqui, Brown, Jayne, Turney, Nicy, Chessman, Jo, Dyson, Sue E. and St James-Roberts, Ian |
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Abstract | Evidence suggests that around 20% of healthy babies cry for long periods without apparent reason, causing significant distress to parents and a range of adverse outcomes. This study explored parents’ experiences of having an excessively crying baby and their suggestions for improved NHS support. Focus groups and interviews with 20 parents identified three key themes: disrupted expectations and experiences of parenthood; stigma and social isolation; seeking support and validation of experience. Parents experienced shock, anxiety and a sense of failure, leading to self-imposed isolation and a reluctance to seek help. Other people’s reactions sometimes reinforced their feelings. Parents need more support, including from health professionals, to cope with excessive crying, and recommendations for this support are given. |
Keywords | excessive infant crying; maternal health; parental support |
Year | 2019 |
Journal | Journal of health visiting |
Publisher | Mark Allen Group (MAGonline) |
ISSN | 2050-8719 |
2052-2908 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.12968/johv.2019.7.3.132 |
Web address (URL) | http://hdl.handle.net/10545/623676 |
hdl:10545/623676 | |
Publication dates | 20 Mar 2019 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 17 Apr 2019, 11:47 |
Accepted | 20 Mar 2019 |
Contributors | De Montfort University, University of Sheffield, University of Derby and University College London |
File | |
File | File Access Level Open |
https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/93y10/parents-experiences-of-having-an-excessively-crying-baby-and-implications-for-support-services
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