We are a team of perinatal nurses currently recruiting expectant mothers
and fathers for a research study on the influence of stress on
transition to parenthood.
The study was funded in July 03 by the NINR.
Participation would include three telephone interviews with each parent
(separate interviews) that take about 30 minutes, one at about 24-30
weeks gestation, then again at 2 months and 6 months after birth. The
interviews are conducted using survey instruments that are well tested
in previous research. Everyone experiences some type of stress as they
go through a pregnancy. First-time Moms and Dads have different
stressors than experienced Moms and Dads, working Moms and Dads have
different stressors than stay-at-home Moms and Dads, some expectant
couples have had previous losses and that is a whole other
ballgame......but all expectant parents experience stress in pregnancy.
We are hoping to identify the types of stress most common to each type
of group and then use this information to better plan care that will
provide emotional support to stressed pregnant and parenting couples
through our research. If you are currently pregnant, or know someone who
is, and would like to hear more about the study before deciding to
participate, you may contact me at The University of Louisville School
of Nursing (502) 852-8095 or by email at dsarms01@louisville.edu. Thanks
for your help with this important research!
Deborah S. Armstrong, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
School of Nursing
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
(502) 852-8095
dsarms01@gwise.louisville.edu
