The experience of health and wellness in mothers of young children with intellectual disabilities

Today in Australian society the majority of families who have a child with a physical or intellectual disability will take care of that child across their lifespan. Mothers bear most of the burden associated with their child's care; however, little is known about the effect fulfilling this role has on the health of the mother.This interpretive research study was conducted with the aim of enhancing understanding of the health and wellness of mothers who have a child with an intellectual disability aged 0–5 years. Interview data were collected from five women living in a rural Australian city, and analysed using qualitative techniques.The research revealed that the mothers' health is backgrounded in time, space and the physical body, because their horizon of awareness is directed toward the needs of the child with a disability.