A life uncertain – My baby’s vulnerability: Mothers’ lived experience of connection with their preterm infants in a Botswana neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

BackgroundPreterm and low–birth weight infants are often separated from their mothers when admitted to neonatal units for stabilisation of body temperature and technological support.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of mothers regarding care of their hospitalised preterm infants in a neonatal unit in a public hospital in Gaborone, Botswana.MethodThis study utilised a qualitative exploratory and descriptive phenomenological study design. Mothers of hospitalised preterm infants were purposefully selected, with whom there was extensive engagement. Two in-depth interviews were conducted with each participant (P).ResultsMothers were shocked by the sudden birth of a preterm infant and found the neonatal environment intimidating. This increased their fear and anxiety and delayed development of a relationship with their infants. Support from staff, other mothers in the neonatal unit and family members enabled the mothers to overcome their fear and to develop an emotional connection with their infants.ConclusionOn-going supportive communication with the mothers by healthcare professionals promotes their confidence and competence in caring for their preterm infants, which in turn promotes mother–infant attachment.

A Qualitative Study to Explore the Experience of Parents of Newborns Admitted to Neonatal Care Unit in Rural Rwanda

“…Expansion of access to specialized neonatal care units (NCUs) for sick and small newborns is one of the global priorities to reduce neonatal mortality [1]. Despite the tremendous bene ts of NCUs in achieving better neonatal health outcomes, studies exploring experience of parents in NCUs have shown it to be a stressful experience for families [3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

South Korean nurses’ lived experiences supporting maternal postpartum bonding in the neonatal intensive care unit

“…Infants hospitalized in the NICU might have a higher prevalence of disorganized attachment at 36-months-old compared to their typically developing peers (Pennestri et al, 2015 ). The presence of possible neurological disabilities, along with environmental stressors (high-tech medical equipment, limited interactions, prolonged mother-infant separation) have been shown to induce maternal distress including anxiety, fear, and depression (Medina et al, 2018 ; Ncube et al, 2016 ), which is associated with reduced maternal sensitivity and inadequate infant development in infants with extremely low birth weights (Gerstein et al, 2019 ; Neri et al, 2017 ). Without adequate support for the parent-infant bonding relationship during an infants’ stay in the NICU, the long-term physical, cognitive, and psycho-emotional development of the child might not be assured.…”

“…Further, the mothers were reported to be helplessly dependent on the medical staff with no choice but to trust them (Choi & Lee, 2018 ). In previous studies, mothers who gave birth to premature infants showed a tendency to become third-party observers and tried not to interfere with the medical staff despite wanting to be actively involved in the treatment of their infants (Choi & Lee, 2018 ; Ncube et al, 2016 ). Therefore, strategic interventions focusing on building partnerships through effective communication among health care providers and vulnerable NICU families needed to be identified.…”

“…Recent evidence shows that NICU nurses play a vital role in promoting closeness and supporting parents coping with separation from their infants (Feeley et al, 2016 ). The formation of bonding or emotional connection with extremely preterm infants in the NICU has primarily been examined from the viewpoint of mothers after giving birth (Medina et al, 2018 ; Ncube et al, 2016 ); little research has examined nursing support for maternal postpartum bonding in NICUs in South Korea. Further, no qualitative studies have been conducted in South Korea to describe the challenges, strategies, and lived experiences of NICU care from the viewpoint of neonatal nurses.…”

Mecanismos de Defesa Utilizados por Adolescentes com Bebês Prematuros em UTI Neonatal1

“…Ncube, Barlow and Mayers (2016) emphasize that in the NICU, the bonds between mothers and children may be compromised and increase maternal anxiety. The premature baby who is receiving medical care is distanced from the child who was idealized throughout the pregnancy, which may cause the mother negative feelings of sadness, stress and even rejection (Wust & Viera, 2011).…”