The phases of discovering reality, critical reflection, taking
charge and holding on indicate that the process of
empowerment was largely intrapersonal The mothers
developed and employed the necessary knowledge, competence
and confidence for making their voices heard In
becoming empowered, mothers developed confidence in
their knowledge of their child and in their decision making
for their child Decisions were consistent with
their goals and their own sense of meaning Mothers
became a voice of authority and were able to collaborate
effectively with health care professionals Thus, the
mothers had a personal sense of taking charge and an
ability to be assertive and to take action consistent with
their values, beliefs, goals and needs