title: When Women with Cystic Fibrosis Become Mothers: Psychosocial Impact and Adjustments.
abstract: Advances in the treatment and life expectancy of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients mean that motherhood is now a realistic option for many women with CF. This qualitative study explored the psychosocial impact and adjustments made when women with CF become mothers. Women with CF (n= 11) were recruited via an online forum and participated in semistructured telephone interviews about their experiences of becoming a mother. Transcriptions were analysed using Grounded Theory. Analysis revealed three core categories: (i) "Living with CF": how becoming a mother impacted on health and treatment adherence, requiring a change in support from the CF team, (ii) "Becoming a Mother": balancing issues common to new mothers with their CF, and (iii) "Pooling Personal Resources": coping strategies in managing the dual demands of child and CF care. Participants experienced a variety of complex psychosocial processes. Most participants acknowledged an initial negative impact on CF care; however over time they reported successful adaptation to managing dual commitments and that adherence and motivation to stay well had improved. This study highlights the need for preconceptual psychosocial counselling andpostpartumadjustment to CF care.
authors.affiliation: Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Charles Thackrah Building, 101 Clarendon Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9LJ, UK; Regional Adult CF Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
authors.forename: Sophie L
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-7636-2011
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Cammidge
authors.affiliation: Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Charles Thackrah Building, 101 Clarendon Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9LJ, UK; Regional Paediatric CF Unit, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK.
authors.forename: Alistair J A
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Duff
authors.affiliation: Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Charles Thackrah Building, 101 Clarendon Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9LJ, UK; Regional Adult CF Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
authors.forename: Gary J
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-1635-3022
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Latchford
authors.affiliation: Regional Adult CF Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Etherington
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy / Q000639:trends; D009035:Mothers; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D057240:Patient Preference; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology