title: Maternal and child health nurses: a vital link to the community for primiparae over the age of 35.
abstract: Australia, like other developed countries, is exhibiting a trend towards later childbearing and this trend has been particularly evident in the last three decades. Social trends of declining birth rates and small nuclear families mean that the contemporary adult has far less exposure to children than adults of former generations. Increasing female trends of employment and participation in higher education have also contributed to a postponement of childbearing, and more women than ever before are having a first baby over the age of 35 years. Mothering experiences for this group of women often occur in a situation of limited family or social support, geographical distancefrom family and with few links to the community. Together these factors make new mothering an isolating experience for some women. This paper reports on findings from a longitudinal qualitative study, outlining the importance of maternal & child health nurses in providing support and in facilitating links to the community for primiparae over the age of 35 years.
authors.affiliation: Jessie McPherson Hospital, Monash Medical Centre, Australia.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carolan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008423:Maternal Age; D016389:Maternal-Child Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology; D010298:Parity; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires