Mismatched Caring in High-Risk Perinatal Situations

Abstract

A longitudinal study with a phenomenological approach revealed mismatched perceptions between caregivers and women in high-risk perinatal care. The participants were 27 women, 20 of which were recruited during a high-risk pregnancy and 7 who were recruited following the birth of a high-risk newborn. Interviews and diaries were analyzed to gain understanding of the subjective experience of being in a high-risk situation. One of the major discoveries was the inappropriate labeling of mothers as denying the seriousness of the situation. Mothers focused on the possibilities in the situation, whereas caregivers focused on the actual or potential problems. The article describes this mismatch and proposes changes in practice to offset dysynchronous caring.