Through the lens of trauma: The experience of mothering a very premature infant in the first year after hospital discharge

Abstract

This chapter explores the experience of mothering after the trauma of a very premature birth. Based on recent phenomenological research, it discusses how the emotional repercussions of a very premature birth can influence the way that the mothering relationship and the mother's identity develop during the first year after hospital discharge. The research findings are explored from an existential perspective drawing on relevant existential theory. Whilst the research includes a broad view of the overall experience in the first year after hospital, this chapter focuses on the development of the mothering identity and the evolvement of the bonding process during this period.