May 4, 2016
Author, mother shares women's stories about high-risk pregnancy, premature birth
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Jennifer G. Hall, a lecturer in the Brian Lamb School of Communication and author of "Women's Health Communication: High-Risk Pregnancy and Premature Birth Narratives," with her triplets at 2 months old. (Photo provided) |
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Jennifer G. Hall was a Purdue University health communication graduate student when she was pregnant with triplets, and her experience with a high-risk pregnancy and premature birth inspired her to chronicle other women's experiences.
"Society has this idea of what happens when you have a baby; it's the dominant storyline and when someone's experiences don't match, it's a struggle," said Hall, a lecturer in the Brian Lamb School of Communication, and the author of "Women's Health Communication: High-Risk Pregnancy and Premature Birth Narratives." "It's common for these women to judge themselves harshly and feel incredible guilty, while living in fear for their child's health. This can affect mothers' mental health and well-being, which is concerning for their physical health, but especially as they need to care for a child or children who may have additional needs the first year or years of their lives. A better understanding can help providers, caregivers, and even family and friends support their families."
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Jennifer G. Hall, has studied how women cope and communicate relating to high-risk pregnancy and premature birth. Hall is pictured with her oldest daughter, 9 at the time, and her triplets at age 7. (Photo provided) |
Hall interviewed nearly 100 women for the book, which was published in October by Lexington Books. Hall graduated with a Purdue doctoral degree in health communication in 2010. She is the mother of four girls – a 10-year old and three 8-year-olds.
"How do we help women see there is room for several storylines? So much of what we think of as essential to the motherhood experience is cultural and driven by consumerism. Decorate the nursery and buy new clothes. Instead, we need to promote that each women's story is her own and create a greater system of support for the many mothers and their families who are affected."
About one in 10 babies in the United States are born premature each year, according to the March of Dimes. A premature birth can mean a longer hospital stay for the baby as well as potentially developmental delays.
Hall's book also focuses on her experience of having triplets in 2007. Her pregnancy was difficult and the babies spent 30 days in the NICU. She also experienced post-partum depression.
"My hope is this research and these women's stories provides a better understanding of how mothers make sense and cope with their experiences and connect with others," Hall said.
Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu
Source: Jennifer G. Hall, jgibb@purdue.edu
Related website:
Photo of Jennifer G. Hall: https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/2016/hall-jennifer16.jpg
