Parenting with Cystic Fibrosis: Stories from French Families

With advancements in medicine, more people with cystic fibrosis (CF) are becoming parents. This study interviewed 18 French parents with CF—mostly mothers, with some having undergone lung transplants. The interviews revealed seven key themes about their parenting journey. Firstly, they faced various challenges in deciding to become parents. This choice wasn't easy, given their condition. As parents, they dealt with the ups and downs of raising children. Daily life required careful planning to manage their health and parenting duties. Admin and finance matters added another layer of complexity.CF also impacted their children's lives in tangible ways. Some parents wrestled with how much to tell their kids about their condition. Despite the hardships, many found joy in parenting and tried to maintain a sense of normalcy for their kids. Lung transplants, though crucial, created sensitive periods for the whole family. Beyond the parents, this study highlighted how spouses and children were also affected. It's clear that while CF brings struggles, it doesn't diminish the love and happiness families can share.