Unit 2: THE FAMILY

Objectives:
1. Review the concepts of family structure, functions and dynamics.
2. Recognize the concept of family as an integral part of Maternal and Child Health.
3. Outline the risk factors that can have an impact on the childbearing process and
reproductive outcomes.
4. Discuss briefly the implications of pregnancy on the family.
5. Describe specific family roles.
6. Describe the role of the nurse in relation to the family.

Definition of the Family:

A fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children.
(http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/family.)
Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another,
and reside usually in the same dwelling place.
(http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/family.)
A group of two or more people, related by blood, marriage or adoption that resides together. (U.S.
Bureau of Census, 2004).
A system of roles or a unit of interacting personalities who may not necessarily be sanctioned by
law, but have some commitment to each other.
A group of kin related by blood, marriage or adoption that share a common residence for some part
of their lives, assume reciprocal rights and obligations with regard to one another and are the
principal source of socialization of its members.
Common to all definitions:

members relate to each other.

interaction with specified patterns of behavior.

differentiate structure roles.

Types of Family
1. Nuclear:
2. Extended:
3. Single parent:
4. Conjugal/Childless:
5. Second and third-marriage blending of families
6. Gay and lesbian:
7. Visiting:
8. Common law
9. Institutional:

Functions of Family
1. Procreation
2. Socialization
3. Provision of physiological and psychological needs
4. Transmission of culture
5. Conferring status of family:
Derived:
Acquired:
Factors affecting change in families:
Changing role of women in society
Changes in age structure of society due to baby boom of 1950s
Changes in values
Increasing number of young women delaying marriage
Use of contraceptives
Drug and alcohol abuse
Acts of violence
Disease especially HIV/AIDS
Factors Affecting Family Health
1. Genetic
2. Lifestyle and health promotion practices
3. Psychosocial
4. Culture
5. Nutritional
6. Socio-economic
7. Environmental
Factors affecting the Reproductive Health of the Family
1. Socioeconomic status
2. Health Care Organizations
3. Ethnicity
4. Age
5. Parity
6. Health Status
7. Geographic: Family Island vs. Nassau

Family Assessment
Definition: Gathering of information to use as bases for planning and delivering optimal care to the
family.
Purpose:
1. To determine the level of family functioning.
2. To determine health status of the family.
3. Clarify family interaction pattern.
4. Identify strengths and weaknesses in family structure.
5.

Utilize the nursing process to provide care.

6. Enhance the care of family and individual members.

7. Identify the impact of new members to the family.
Implications of Child-bearing/Pregnancy on the Family
1. Acceptance of Pregnancy
Un-wanted pregnancy
Physical changes
2. Preparation prior to birth
3. Sexual adjustments
4. Role shift
5. Preparation for the physical separation of birth.
Family Roles
Father:
1. Determines the gender of the child.
2. Provides support system for the mother and the family.
3. Shares in the rearing of the child
Mother:
1. Exclusive responsibility for :
Nuturing
Protecting the fetus
2. Shares in the rearing of the child.

Role of the Nurse

Uses a bio-psychosocial approach, and considers how variables such as cultural beliefs,
community resources and health beliefs affect the familys response to care.
Reevaluates ones personal cultural beliefs and values.
Recognize ones own biases and beliefs about a particular culture.
Assess the cultural beliefs and values of the family without judgment.
Avoids generalizations and assumptions.

References
Lowdermilk, D.L. Perry, S.E. (2004). Maternity & womens health care. (8th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby
Elsevier.
Murray, S. S., & McKinney, E. S. (2006). Foundations of maternal-newborn nursing. (4th ed.). St.
Louis: Mosby, Saunders & Elsevier.
Orshan, S. A. (2008). Maternity, newborn, and womens health nursing: Compre hensive care
across the lifespan. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Scott - Ricci, S. (2007). Essentials of maternity, newnorn and womens health nursing.
Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.