letters

SMYLI Thank you for the article “The

Mother and Her Newborn: Mutual Caregivers” by G. Anderson (Sep- tember/October 1977). According to studies cited in this article, “Self-reg- ulatory Mother-Young Longitudinal Interaction” (SMYLI) is often inter- rupted by one or another hospital routine. Reasons for these inter- ruptions and objections to facilitat- ion of SMYLI are well explained in the article.

One can’t help but appreciate that the greater the SMYLI level, the bet- ter it is for family bonding. This is necessarily of concern to those cogni- zant of the latest data available from the U.S. census bureau showing, among other things, the trend to- ward disintegration of the family unit.

Having worked in a “progressive” educational medical institution for several years now, and having expe- rienced the level of ASMYLI there, I cannot blame women of child- bearing age for bringing the birth experience back into the home where SMYLI is optimal. These women grow weary (and older) waiting for institu- tions to “permit” optimal SMYLI. I appreciated the comments quoted from Dr. Gregory White, obstetri- cian in the U.S. who does some home deliveries, dispelling the fear of

mucous obstruction in the early breastfed neonate.

SMYLI seems like a right of every expectant family, and I will be pleased to note progress in safely in- corporating this into the birth experi- ence in institutions across the conti- nent. Consumers of health care want and deserve this.

K. WALTNER-TOEWS, RN, BSN Assistant Head Nurse Neonatal Intensive Care University Hospital Saskatoon. Saskatchewan

Families with Defective Children I appreciated “ A Defective Child

Is Born” in the July/August 1977 is- sue since this area is of major interest to me. Ms. Floyd presented essential factors related to the care of these families in the hospital setting.

I would like to emphasize the im- portance of well-coordinated dis- charge planning and follow-up inter- vention for these families. The study of Murphy and Prieschel’ shows the needs of parents at this time. Mercef found that emotional stresses did not diminish during the first three months following discharge. Certain

feelings can be intensified in the home setting which can hinder the development of a healthy family unit.

More research is clearly indicated, particularly with regard to longitudi- nal studies, beginning during the critical postpartum period and ex- tending throughout the first year. In- terviews, which provide a means for reviewing behaviors, feelings, and attitudes, should be conducted at specified periods to increase validity since memory bias affects a person’s response. Through more comprehen- sive research and study, nursing can develop more effective means of in- tervention for these families.

ANNE MCCORMICK, RN, MS Hush k‘uinutal Center Rush- Pres b y t erian- S t . Luke’s Medical Center Chicago, Illinois

References 1. Murphy, A, , S . Prieschel: “Early In-

tervention with Families of Newborns with Down’s Syndrome.” MCN 1:l- 7, 1975

2. Mercer, R.T.: Response of Mothers to the Birth of an Infant with a Defect. 1974 ANA Clinical Sessions. New York, Appleton Century Crofts, 1975

58 January/February 1978 JOGN Nursing