Survey reveals almost half of Munster mums fail to recognise when a temperature becomes a fever

• One third of new mums in Munster feel they lack confidence in knowing what to do when a baby is unwell
• 42% of Munster’s first time mums say lack of sleep is the most challenging part of having a new baby

Although Fever accompanies most mild childhood illnesses new research by Nurofen for Children has revealed almost half (48%) of Munster mums fail to recognise when a temperature begins (37.8°C) with a quarter (25%) suggesting it was lower and 23% suggesting it was higher. Commissioned by the pain relief brand this research was carried out among 400 first time mothers as part of the #FeverFighters campaign.

#FeverFighters from Nurofen for Children has been designed to help parents, and in particular first time parents, understand the facts and dispel the myths on fever in order to give them peace of mind and confidence when treating their child at home.

The survey also asked what the biggest challenge was about becoming a parent for the first time and although expectant mothers are often warned about the lack of sleep once the baby arrives, 42% of Munster mums still said the lack of sleep was the most challenging thing about becoming a parent whilst a quarter of Munster mums said they wished someone had told them how much of a treat a good night’s sleep would be once the baby arrives.

According to the Nurofen for Children survey, a third (30%) of Munster mums surveyed feel they lack confidence in knowing what to do when a baby is unwell and despite the introduction of free GP visits for children under six years old, just 25% of Munster Mums surveyed said they were more likely to visit the GP since this service was introduced. A significant three quarters of Munster mums said this would not change the frequency with which they attend the GP.

To support the launch, Nurofen for Children is also launching a new app which aims to help mums and dads manage the day to day aspects of being a new parent. Key features include a routine feeding planner, medical diary with a vaccination calendar and a late night pharmacy locator. Nurofen for Children has also teamed up with broadcaster and new mum, Maia Dunphy along with some of Ireland’s leading experts in the areas of nutrition, sleep and medication. These experts feature in educational videos providing useful tips for new parents. These videos can be viewed below and on YouTube and will also be hosted on the Nurofen for Children app, which will be available later in the month.

A mother’s Love

It’s a case of ‘Mother knows best’ for Munster with 22% of Munster based respondents seeking advice from their own mother when caring for an ill baby. Interestingly, the same number (22%) of Munster mums said they would look for recommendations from their GP whilst 18 % of Munster based respondents said they would seek advice from online sources. All of the above were interestingly in preference to advice from their pharmacist, with only 13% of Munster based recipients suggesting their pharmacist would be their port of call. Mother in laws are not such a popular source of advice for Munster mums however, with just 1% those surveyed claiming to seek advice from their in-law!

Over a third (38%) of new parents in Munster said that wished it was possible to have known the love they would feel for their new baby before the birth. 56% of Munster based parents said their baby’s first smile was their most cherished moment of parenthood. More than a third (36%) stated the first hug or kiss from their baby was the most precious milestone.

The transition to parenthood

14% of the Munster respondents revealed finding time for themselves was a challenge in the transition to parenthood with 15% struggling with juggling finances the most. Interestingly, only 1% of Munster based mums said that staying in contact with friends was their biggest challenge following the birth of their baby.

Of the Munster mums surveyed, a third (33%) of them work full time outside the home and while tackling work and being a new parent can be a struggle, Munster parents have plenty of support as 61% of respondents said their partner shares the responsibility when looking after a sick infant. Of those working, 60% said their employers are very understanding when it comes to taking time off to care for an ill baby, but 20% of Munster mums said they still feel they need to make excuses to take time off if their child is unwell.

Nurofen for Children #FeverFighters brand ambassador and first time mum, Maia Dunphy comments: “As a new mum there are so many things to consider! It’s an absolutely brilliant time but it can be a little worrying so it is reassuring to know that I’m not alone in my concerns and insecurities when caring for my child, especially when he is sick. It’s great to know that parents across the country feel the same way and share the same worries and I hope that they find the information from the experts as helpful as I did”.