Attitudes of first time mothers and Health Visitors toward sleep
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A phenomenological study exploring the attitudes of first time mothers and Health Visitors toward sleep disturbance in the postpartum period
IRAS ID
113352
Contact name
Joanne Chwalko
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metropolitan University
Research summary
Post partum depression (PPD) is a common condition affecting 15 -20 % mothers within the first year of giving birth. It is a potentially serious condition which can affect the mother’s ability to cope with a new baby, having wider long term impact upon family relationships if not treated. Post-partum depression is often cited in Child Protection cases as having been unreported or not detected early enough. There may be a link between sleep disturbance and PPD as the symptoms for both are very similar, but, because sleep disturbance is viewed as a ’normal’ adjustment to motherhood by mothers and Health Visitors advice tends to be placatory rather than constructive, and women are reluctant to seek support until in ’crisis’, (mentally ,relationship breakdown or attachment issues )so it is important to understand what mothers’ and Health Visitors’ attitudes are to it and why they do not seek help, so that they can be better supported in managing it.Health Visitor records indicate that the issue is more prevalent in first time mothers, therefore, purposive sampling will be used to select participants. Semi-structured interviews, either at home or in a clinical setting (participant’s choice), will be completed with approximately 4-8 first time mothers at 8 - 9 weeks postnatally and 4 - 6 Health Visitors. Wirral Community Trust have contributed toward funding time and venue for the researchers study therefore participants will be recruited from this area.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0539
Date of REC Opinion
15 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion