Maternal Perceptions of Sick/Preterm Infant Sleep and Settling Patterns in the First 9 Months

Emma Shu Min Lim; Julie Williams; Philip Vlaskovsky; Demelza J. Ireland; Donna Tracy Geddes; Sharon Lisa Perrella

doi:10.3390/proceedings2023093013

Proceedings (Dec 2023)

Maternal Perceptions of Sick/Preterm Infant Sleep and Settling Patterns in the First 9 Months

Emma Shu Min Lim,
Julie Williams,
Philip Vlaskovsky,
Demelza J. Ireland,
Donna Tracy Geddes,
Sharon Lisa Perrella

Affiliations

Emma Shu Min Lim: School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
Julie Williams: Neonatology Clinical Care Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
Philip Vlaskovsky: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, School of Physics, Mathematics and Computing, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
Demelza J. Ireland: School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
Donna Tracy Geddes: School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
Sharon Lisa Perrella: School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023093013
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 93, no. 1
p. 13

Abstract

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Infants born sick or preterm and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) face challenges to their sleep and the establishment of breastfeeding. The reported sleep patterns of NICU graduates are conflicting, and there is evidence of bi-directional relationships between infant feeding and sleep challenges and poor maternal mental health. A prospective observational longitudinal cohort study was conducted on mothers of sick/preterm infants with ≥ 5 days admission to the NICU. Participants were recruited at discharge, with follow up at 2 and 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 9 months. Infant sleep, settle and cry patterns, maternal bother with infant behaviours, and maternal confidence were measured using the Sleep and Settle Questionnaire (SSQ). Feeding information was obtained, and breastfeeding confidence was measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form (BSES-SF). Our sample consisted of 94 mothers of 101 sick/preterm infants. The range of infant birth gestations was 23–42/40 weeks, with n = 37 (36.6%) born n = 26 (25.7%) born at 33 to 36+6/40 weeks, and n = 38 (37.6%) born ≥ 37 weeks. The NICU length of stay was 5–173 days. Linear mixed modelling was used to examine associations between maternal bother and infant feeding and sleep variables. Night waking frequency (p p ≤ 0.001), and durations of settling (evening, p = 0.010) were positively associated with increased maternal bother scores. Maternal confidence was negatively associated with maternal bother (p p = 0.44), or birth gestation subgroup (i.e., born +6 weeks, or term sick) (p = 0.44). Whether NICU infants were term sick or preterm was not associated with maternal concern with infant sleep and settling patterns in the 9 months after hospital discharge. Mothers of sick/preterm infants reported greater bother with increased night waking and longer durations of crying and evening settling. The findings from this study can inform individualised anticipatory guidance and support for this vulnerable population.

Published in Proceedings

ISSN: 2504-3900 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: General Works
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/proceedings

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