My baby needed someone to be her voice because I couldn’t be. Health professionals assuming the voice of the children born to eating disordered women.

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Presenters: Terri Burton

Organisation: University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle WA, Australia

Date of Presentation: 20/10/2014

Abstract:

AIM:
The study aims to provide a description of the lived experience as perceived by a cohort of women with diagnosed eating disorders who had birthed within the previous twelve months.
METHOD:
The research design was phenomenological whereby data were collected via semi-structured in depth interviews of approximately one hour duration. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using constant comparative approach seeking themes and patterns whilst respecting Colaizzi’s six step procedure. Feedback from the participants followed transcript analysis, and further interview occurred. The researcher kept a journal of observations made during interviewing to provide a comprehensive picture to aid reconstruction of the experience. Data were managed and stored on the computer using NVivo10 software. Ethical approval was obtained.
RESULTS:
The study identified fourteen key themes that described the women’s lived experience. One of the major themes ascertained was the women’s concerns for their babies not only whilst in utero but longer term. Worries existed about the physical and intellectual growth and development of their babies as well as unease about their nutritional status. Psychosocial concerns were also evident.
CONCLUSION
Whereas the women’s pregnancies involved difficult times, concerns for their babies’ wellbeing were paramount. There was minimal discussion with health professionals regarding these concerns due to the fear of being perceived as a bad mother or having the baby removed from their care. It is imperative that professionals provide sensitive care and support women to voice their babies’ wellbeing apprehensions.
Terri
Burton
“My baby needed someone to be her voice because I couldn’t be”.  Health professionals assuming the voice of the children born to eating disordered women.
AIM:
The study aims to provide a description of the lived experience as perceived by a cohort of women with diagnosed eating disorders who had birthed within the previous twelve months.
METHOD:
The research design was phenomenological whereby data were collected via semi-structured in depth interviews of approximately one hour duration. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using constant comparative approach seeking themes and patterns whilst respecting Colaizzi’s six step procedure. Feedback from the participants followed transcript analysis, and further interview occurred. The researcher kept a journal of observations made during interviewing to provide a comprehensive picture to aid reconstruction of the experience. Data were managed and stored on the computer using NVivo10 software. Ethical approval was obtained.
RESULTS:
The study identified fourteen key themes that described the women’s lived experience. One of the major themes ascertained was the women’s concerns for their babies not only whilst in utero but longer term. Worries existed about the physical and intellectual growth and development of their babies as well as unease about their nutritional status. Psychosocial concerns were also evident.
CONCLUSION
Whereas the women’s pregnancies involved difficult times, concerns for their babies’ wellbeing were paramount. There was minimal discussion with health professionals regarding these concerns due to the fear of being perceived as a bad mother or having the baby removed from their care. It is imperative that professionals provide sensitive care and support women to voice their babies’ wellbeing apprehensions.