The Role of Infant Massage in Enhancing Parenting Occupations of Parents of Infants Who Stayed in the NICU: Parents' Perceptions
Graduation Date
2007
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Stacy Frauwirth, MS, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Joanne Figone, MS, OTR/L
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to acquire a better understanding of preterm parents’ perceptions of infant massage. The impact of infant massage on parenting occupations was also explored. The nature of this study was qualitative and non-experimental. Methods for data collection included in depth, face to face interviews with 5 mothers of infants who received care in a NICU. Data was transcribed, coded, and upon analysis, 2 common themes were identified.
“Massage normalized the otherness” was one common experience for these mothers, as parents described ways in which massage ameliorated challenges associated with their infants’ preterm or high risk birth. Furthermore, massage brought a sense of normalcy to parenting occupations and experiences. “Massage means I’m doing everything I can; and it works!” was the second identified theme. Parents felt a sense of satisfaction by doing massage because it meant they were providing the best possible care for their infant. For this small sample of mothers massage was one thing that worked and its impacts were noticeable across many dimensions of their lives.
This study found massage to be a powerful tool to help parents achieve occupational identity as a mother. To determine whether massage should be recommended as an intervention tool for preterm parents, research with a larger and more demographically varied population should be conducted.