Mothers' lived experiences of support when living with young children with congenital heart defects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to illuminate the meanings of support as disclosed by mothers of children with congenital heart defects (CHD). DESIGN AND METHOD: Narrative interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of children with CHD. A phenomenological-hermeneutic method was used for interpretation of the transcribed interviews. RESULTS: The comprehensive understanding of mothers' lived experiences of support emerged as the experiences of receiving good support, receiving “poor support,” and absence of support. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Mothers receiving person-centered and family-centered care feel more supported and are more likely to adapt to the stresses of parenting a child with CHD.