Infant HIV Testing and Experiences of Mothers
HIV-infected women are informed at/or prior to delivery that their infants will have to undergo serial testing to determine if they have contracted HIV. This process can bring up a variety of feelings and experiences for mothers, not limited to anxiety and guilt. In a series of interviews after infant testing was completed found that mothers' emotions changed through the process but negative feelings subsided if their providers helped with information and support. Supporting the "normalcy" of the process is important for women to overcome feelings of stigma as well.
Citation:
Shannon MT. HIV-infected mothers' experiences during their infants' HIV testing. Res Nurs Health/ 2015 Apr;38(2):142-51. doi: 10.1002/nur.21646. Epub 2015 Mar 3.
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