Which approach is most helpful when a mother expresses guilt about her baby's deformity?

• A. Allow the mother to cry and verbalize her feelings of grief and guilt.
• B. Tell her not to cry.
• C. Offer medical explanations only.
• D. Focus on the baby's physical needs and ignore feelings.

Answer: (A)

A key part of care is emotional support through active listening. When a mother expresses guilt about her baby's deformity, allowing her to cry and verbalize her grief validates what she’s feeling and helps her process the emotion rather than bottling it up. This open, nonjudgmental space encourages honest expression, which is essential for coping, forming a strong mother–infant bond, and engaging with the care plan.

A gentle, empathetic response might acknowledge the feeling and reflect it back, reinforcing that grief and self-blame are common reactions. Provide time to talk, avoid rushing to medical explanations, and offer reassurance that her feelings are normal and understandable. As the nurse, you can then guide her toward practical support and information about feeding strategies, treatment options, and long-term outcomes, once she’s had a chance to express her emotions.

Telling her not to cry, offering only medical explanations, or ignoring her feelings all miss the opportunity to support her emotional adjustment. Addressing the emotional experience first sets the stage for better cooperation with care and stronger family functioning.