When Women with Cystic Fibrosis Become Mothers: Psychosocial Impact and Adjustments
Table 2
Recommendations for clinical practice.
Recommendation
Detail
Relationship with the CF team
It is important that CF teams work to build and maintain effective relationships with their patients, being as supportive as possible. General “lifestyle” discussions can facilitate this
Opening up discussions
It is important that CF teams open up discussions about motherhood as early as it is felt to be appropriate
Information giving
Prior to, and during, the planning and preparing for motherhood, female patients should be given psychosocial information relating to motherhood as well as information on physical risks and health implications, in order to help them plan and prepare and to increase the accuracy of their expectations. The results of this research can serve as a useful foundation for information to be delivered to female patients
Needs assessment
A reassessment of the new needs of the mother should be undertaken to establish these and how they may best be met
Managing health and treatment
It is important that CF teams remain consistently aware of, and understand, a mother’s dual commitments and help manage these wherever possible to relive the burdens of CF-related care as much as possible
Facilitating support
It is important that CF teams help to facilitate access to support for the new mother. This may include practical and emotional support from an appropriate team member. It is also important that the needs of her partner are also taken into consideration
Female patients with CF may benefit from being directed to the CFMothers.com website
Communication and education
It is important that CF teams liaise closely with obstetric teams throughout the pregnancy and that obstetric teams have a good understanding of CF
Following guidelines
It is important that female patients are given consistent and accurate information in regard to pregnancy and motherhood, to reduce any distress and confusion
