The present study was conducted to explore the lived- in experience of mothers of infants with oral facial clefts in selected Hospital, Thrissur. Objectives of the study were to elicit the lived- in experience of mothers of infants with oral facial clefts and to prepare a coping module for those mothers. Qualitative research approach with phenomenological design was used. Ten samples were selected by using convenient sampling technique. Content validity of the tool was done with the help of experts and the reliability was based on trust worthiness of the data. The data were collected with a semi structured interview and analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes were derived from exploring the lived- in experience of mothers of infants with OFC. The themes were divided into physical dimensions, psychological dimensions, social dimensions, spiritual dimensions and economical dimensions. Various subthemes were derived from these themes. The results of the phenomena studied have helped to develop a conceptual frame work. The study concluded that the mothers of infants with oral facial clefts had both positive as well as negative experiences.

Keywords: Lived-in Experiences; Mother; Infant; OFC; Coping Module.