Kerstin Öhrling

Experiences of having a prematurely born infant from the perspective of mothers in northern Sweden

Objectives. The aim of this study was to describe the mothers’ experience of having a prematurely born infant, with the focus on the birth itself and during the time immediately following the birth. Study design. A qualitative design was chosen to achieve the aim of this study. Methods. Six mothers, whose infants were born prematurely and thereby needed care on a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), participated in the study. Narrative interviews were conducted and the mothers were encouraged to freely narrate their experiences of having an infant born preterm. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Results. The results show that mothers were not prepared for having prematurely born infants and that initially they had difficulties feeling like a mother. Having an infant born preterm was dominated by feelings of anxiety. Feeling closeness to the child was important, and separation from the child was a very stressful experience. Family life was affected, but mothers felt they were able to handle the situation if they received support from their partner and hospital staff, and if they were equipped with knowledge regarding the birth and care of a premature infant. Furthermore, it was important for the mothers to be involved in their infants’ care. Conclusions. Support and knowledge made it possible for mothers to handle having a premature infant. Mothers’ situations could be facilitated if nurses had increased knowledge and understanding about how mothers experience this situation.

Adjusting to being a father to an infant born prematurely : experiences from Swedish fathers

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of being a father to a prematurely born infant. Eight fathers of prematurely born children were interviewed using a narrative approach, and a thematic content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. The fathers described that the preterm birth gave them the chance to get to know their infant as they had to spend time at the intensive care unit. They also felt better educated by professionals who helped them take care of their infant. Their feelings and attachment for their infant increased over time and the fathers felt that they had a stronger bond with their child compared with friends who had babies born at term. As time passed, they became more confident as a father. In spite of the strain, the experience made them change as a person and they expressed having different values. The relationship with their partner was strengthened as they handled this situation together as a couple. However, the fathers felt fortunate despite everything and described having managed a prematurely born infant rather well. Although there are similarities between being a father to a child born at term and to one born preterm, it is significant to gain further knowledge about the specific experiences of fathers of prematurely born infants. The results of this study have implications for nurses working with families who have children born prematurely.

Schoolchildren from the north sharing their lived experience of health and well-being

The aim of this study was to describe and develop an understanding of schoolchildrens health and well-being from their own perspective. Nearly 100 schoolchildren from the northern part of Sweden, aged 10–12 years, wrote open letters and participated in group discussions as a way to share their lived experience. The phenomenological analyze resulted in three main themes; (a) associating with others; (b) actively participating and (c) being a recipient. The schoolchildrens lived experience formed an intricate unite including health and ill-health as well as well-being and lack thereof. The meaning of schoolchildrens health and well-being was understood as the experience of relationships to others and as the relationship to oneself. The relationships to others was positive or negative for schoolchildrens health and well-being depending on if they were met with a “we” in mind or not. When given the choice to participate, and if shown respect, and trust was understood as positive for schoolchildrens health and well-being, while the opposite was true when lacking these qualities in relationships with others.

Migraine – more than a headache: Women's experiences of living with migraine

Purpose: In this qualitative study the aim was to explore the meaning of living with migraine. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with ten women about their experience of living with migraine. Halfway through the interview, the women drew a picture of what living with migraine is like, and the interview continued with the conversation being guided by the picture. The interviews were analyzed using a hermeneutic phenomenological method inspired by van Manen. Results: The analysis revealed an essence “Being obliged to endure a life accompanied by an unpredictable and invisible disorder” and three themes “Being besieged by an attack”, “Struggling in a life characterized by uncertainty” and “Living with an invisible disorder.” Conclusions: Migraine is a debilitating disorder which accompanies life in the sense that it or the threat of its return is always present, and yet invisible to others. The struggle of enduring life with migraine is worsened by the feeling of having an invisible disorder and of being doubted. There is a need to increase the knowledge among healthcare professionals about what it means to live with migraine, something this qualitative study offers. Implications for Rehabilitation The meaning of living with migraine is experienced as having a debilitating disorder which accompanies life in the sense that it or the threat of its return is always present, and yet invisible to others. There is a need for healthcare professionals to increase their awareness of the meaning of living with migraine, to enable them to meet the needs of each person with migraine.

‘Friendship is like an extra parachute’: reflections on the way schoolchildren share their lived experiences of well‐being through drawings

The aim of this study was to create a new understanding of health promotion activities in the classroom setting through children’s perspectives. Nineteen Swedish schoolchildren, ages 10‐ to 11‐years‐old, participated in health promotion work in the classroom. Through drawings and an exhibition discussion analysing their own and each other’s drawings, they shared their lived experience of well‐being and lack thereof. The phenomenological analysis resulted in three themes: (1) friends in good times and in bad; (2) the sunny side of life; (3) the bad and the mean. These themes were understood as friendship being like an extra parachute. Reflecting on the children’s lived experience of well‐being and our own role in the research process, the concept of openness surfaced. This we believe is an important ethical aspect of research with children.

EXPECTATIONS OF POST-PARTUM CARE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN LIVING IN THE NORTH OF SWEDEN

Objectives. To describe expectations of post-partum care among pregnant women living in the north of Sweden and whether personality determines preference for care systems. The time for post-partum care on maternity wards has been reduced in Western countries. This, along with the reduction in special medical treatments offered and the closure of small hospitals has affected pregnant women and their families. Study Design. Data was extracted from a questionnaire and a personality instrument (SSP) that were completed during November 2002. Methods. In the northernmost county of Sweden, 140 pregnant women completed the questionnaire; of these, 120 completed the SSP instrument. Results. Of the women who participated, 61.3% wanted to be discharged 72 hours after childbirth, irrespective of the distance between the hospital and home. To have access to maternity ward staff and the decision to be discharged were described as being the most important issues in maternity ward care. The infant’s father was expected to be the most important person in the post-partum period. Conclusions. Women ranked the opportunity to decide for themselves when to be discharged from the maternity ward as important, which can be interpreted as a strong signal that the women want to be in control of the care they receive. Midwives have to focus more on the woman and her family’s individual needs, and to include the father as a person who also needs support and to provide resources for him.

Professional tools and a personal touch – experiences of physical therapy of persons with migraine

Abstract Purpose: The aim was to explore the lived experience of physical therapy of persons with migraine. Method: Data were collected by conducting narrative interviews with 11 persons with migraine. Inspired by van Manen, a hermeneutic phenomenological method was used to analyse the experiences of physical therapy which these persons had. Results: Physical therapy for persons with migraine meant making an effort in terms of time and energy to improve their health by meeting a person who was utilising his or her knowledge and skill to help. Being respected and treated as an individual and having confidence in the physical therapist were highlighted aspects. The analysis revealed a main theme, “meeting a physical therapist with professional tools and a personal touch”. The main theme included four sub-themes, “investing time and energy to feel better”, “relying on the competence of the physical therapist”, “wanting to be treated and to become involved as an individual” and “being respected in a trustful relationship”. Conclusions: The therapeutic relationship with the physical therapist is important and the findings of this study can increase awareness about relational aspects of physical therapy and encourage thoughtfulness among physical therapists and other healthcare professionals interacting with persons with migraine. Implications for Rehabilitation Physical therapists use both professional tools and a personal touch in their interaction with persons with migraine and this article can increase physical therapists’ awareness and encourage thoughtfulness in their professional practice. Being respected and treated as an individual and having confidence in the physical therapist are important aspects of the therapeutic relationship and indicate a need for patient-centred care. By making the effort of spending the time and energy required, physical therapy could be a complement or an alternative to medication to ease the consequences of migraine.

Women's experiences after an induced second trimester abortion.

OBJECTIVE to describe womens experiences of an abortion in the second trimester. DESIGN qualitative design using semi-structured interviews. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS six women were interviewed after a second trimester abortion. METHODS the women were interviewed in person after they were discharged from the hospital. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then analysed using qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS four categories were identified: to consider and accept the decision; to lack understanding about the abortion procedure; to be in need of support and information; to have memories for life. Findings show that information and support during the whole abortion process is important. Women found it difficult to make the decision and going through abortion left memories for life. CONCLUSION information and support is of great importance for women in this vulnerable situation. The need for further support points out the need to have follow-up contacts with women after an induced second trimester abortion.

Learning within and beyond the Classroom: Compulsory School Students Voicing Their Positive Experiences of School.

The aim of this study was to describe, reflect upon, and create a deeper understanding of aspects relevant for promoting a positive school environment from a student perspective. The data was analyzed by using an inductive phenomenological method and based on written responses from 200 Swedish students from grades 5–9. The results indicated that the students found aspects within, as well as beyond, the classroom relevant for a positive school environment. For instance, outings were considered relevant for building and maintaining friendships and for learning processes. Moreover, the students discussed formal and informal conditions and considered social as well as structural circumstances important for having a good time in school. The relation between learning and well-being was also emphasized by the students.

Travelling along a road with obstacles: experiences of managing life to feel well while living with migraine.

Living a life with migraine can impair ones sense of feeling well, and migraine is a disorder that is associated with substantial disability. Earlier research on how people manage their migraine has given important insight into these peoples preventive actions and how they handle their attacks, but there is still a lack of knowledge of how persons with migraine manage their lives to feel well from a more holistic viewpoint. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore lived experiences of managing life to feel well while living with migraine. Nineteen persons with migraine were interviewed. A hermeneutic-phenomenological approach was used to explore their lived experiences. The findings reveal that persons with migraine not only used preventive strategies to abort and ease the consequences of migraine but also tried to amplify the good in life through increasing their energy and joy and through reaching peace with being afflicted with migraine. The findings of this study can encourage healthcare providers, as well as persons with migraine, to consider channeling their efforts into strategies aiming to amplify the good in life, including reaching peace of mind despite being afflicted.Living a life with migraine can impair ones sense of feeling well, and migraine is a disorder that is associated with substantial disability. Earlier research on how people manage their migraine has given important insight into these peoples preventive actions and how they handle their attacks, but there is still a lack of knowledge of how persons with migraine manage their lives to feel well from a more holistic viewpoint. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore lived experiences of managing life to feel well while living with migraine. Nineteen persons with migraine were interviewed. A hermeneutic-phenomenological approach was used to explore their lived experiences. The findings reveal that persons with migraine not only used preventive strategies to abort and ease the consequences of migraine but also tried to amplify the good in life through increasing their energy and joy and through reaching peace with being afflicted with migraine. The findings of this study can encourage healthcare providers, as well as persons with migraine, to consider channeling their efforts into strategies aiming to amplify the good in life, including reaching peace of mind despite being afflicted.