The Impact of the Baby’s Congenital Malformation on the Mother’s Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

These preliminary findings highlight the negative impact that the congenital malformation of clubfoot can have on mothers' psychological well-being and the protective role of social support. Moreover, the positive feedback from the mothers receiving emotional and informational support confirms the importance of implementing intervention protocols in the hospital unit directed to parents of babies with a congenital malformation.

Comparison of cast materials for the treatment of congenital idiopathic clubfoot using the Ponseti method: a prospective randomized controlled trial

“…A recent study showed that the psycho logical well-being and coping strategies for mothers of children with clubfoot are negatively impacted. 31 This situation might be further exacerbated by difficulties with cast handling and removal. Interestingly, in the study by Pittner and colleagues, 30 there was no difference in parental satisfaction between the 2 casting groups.…”

Assessment of emotional distress and parenting stress among parents of children with clubfoot in south-western Nigeria

“…There are few studies in the literature on the experiences of parents of children with clubfoot. 8,13 However, research focusing on the experiences of parents/caregivers of patients with chronic diseases in the clinical setting is increasing. [16][17][18][19] This study assessed emotional distress and parenting stress associated with caring for children with clubfoot using HADS and PSI-SF in which nine (15.5%) parents reported emotional distress and seven (12.0%) had parenting stress.…”

“…An earlier study conducted among mothers of children with clubfoot reported a negative impact of the diagnosis of clubfoot on their psychological well-being. 13 To this end, we set out to determine the levels of emotional distress and parenting stress among parents of Nigerian children with clubfoot and identify associated risk factors. Furthermore, in Nigeria there is a dearth of research undertaken to assess the experiences of parents of children with clubfoot.…”

Prospective Evaluation of a Prenatal Sonographic Clubfoot Classification System

“…In our center, these patients are referred because of an abnormal US that has already been obtained, and therefore the indications for US are not driven by our clinic. Recent evidence has demonstrated the negative impact a congenital abnormality such as a clubfoot can have on a mother's psychological well-being, as well as the positive feedback of informational and emotional support [15]. Once a family has been given a diagnosis, a discussion of the potential implications of that diagnosis should be done with someone knowledgeable in the subject and should be based on the best available information.…”