Family-based intervention improves maternal psychological well-being and feeding interaction of preterm infants.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of an individualized, family-based intervention with preterm infants and their families.


METHODS
Randomized, repeated measures intervention outcome study.


METHODS
Level III neonatal intensive care nursery.


METHODS
Random sample of 34 preterm infants < or = 1500 g and their families.


METHODS
Individualized, family-based intervention during the hospitalization and transition to home addressed problems identified by parents in four domains including: infant behavior and characteristics, family organization and functioning, caregiving environment, and home discharge and community resources.


RESULTS
Standardized questionnaires were administered at baseline and discharge to mothers, and predischarge bottle-feeding interactions were videotaped and coded by two blinded observers. Results were in favor of intervention (Int) versus control (Con) mothers (baseline; discharge) (P < .05) on the Parental Stressor Scale Sights and Sounds subscale (Int 2.4 +/- 1.0; 2.0 +/- 0.8 vs Con 2.4 +/- 0.9; 2.6 +/- 0.8); Child's Appearance and Behavior subscale (Int 2.8 +/- 1.0; 2.5 +/- 1.1 vs Con 2.8 +/- 0.8; 3.1 +/- 0.6); and Total Stressor Score (Int 93.9 +/- 36.6; 72.3 +/- 41.8 vs Con 87.5 +/- 26.7; 87.8 +/- 26.2). On the Beck Depression Inventory, intervention mothers had significant decreases in depressive symptoms (39%; 11%) vs control mothers (31%; 44%). Maternal self-esteem in both groups improved over time. There were no significant group differences in family environment. During feeding interactions, intervention infants grimaced (P < .001) and gagged (P < .05) less than controls. Intervention mothers less frequently interrupted feedings (P < .001); less frequently stimulated infant sucking (P < .01); smiled more (P < .001); vocalized more (P < .01); demonstrated greater sensitivity to infant behavior (P < .001), better quality of physical contact (P < .001), and more positive affect (P < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Individualized, family-based intervention appears to reduce maternal stress and depression, and to enhance early mother-infant feeding interactions. Further research is needed to determine whether these short-term beneficial effects persist beyond the newborn period.
Meyer
E C
EC
Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI 02905.
Coll
C T
CT
Lester
B M
BM
Boukydis
C F
CF
McDonough
S M
SM
Oh
W
W
D000328:Adult; D001903:Bottle Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care / Q000523:psychology; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control