This grounded theory study explores the experience of caring for a premature baby following discharge from hospital. The idea for the study arose from our nursing practice with new parents. Seven participants from one region contributed to the development of a substantive theory, which we named "Living with Difference: Caring for a premature baby at home". The participants were convinced that their experience was different from that of mothers of full-term babies. The women articulated the areas of difference as being: needing and receiving support; developing confidence; feeling guilty, and experiencing smallness. The results from this study will contribute to a body of knowledge which will inform future family and child health practice.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Health Sciences
Research Group:	Midwifery
Research Field:	Clinical midwifery
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Evaluation of health and support services
Objective Field:	Health education and promotion
UTAS Author:	Sankey, J (Dr Judy Sankey)
UTAS Author:	Brennan, S (Associate Professor Sheryl Brennan)
ID Code:	23212
Year Published:	2001
Deposited By:	Health Sciences B
Deposited On:	2001-08-01
Last Modified:	2011-09-30
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