Authors
1 Kerman University of Medical Sciences
2 Bam University of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Introduction: Birth of a premature infant can have long-term effects on parents. In fact, the
future relationship between parents and children can even be affected by this experience. This
study aimed to explain the experience of mothers with premature infants hospitalized in the
neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Afzalipoor Hospital in Kerman, Iran.
Method: In a qualitative study, purposive sampling method was used to select 10 mothers with
premature infants who were hospitalized in the NICU for at least one week. Data was collected
through semi-structured interview. The data was analyzed based on the content analysis.
Results: The results of this study revealed three main themes including unfamiliar situation
(including lack of knowledge about NICU and premature infants), need to be understood
(needing to be advocated by their families, and needing to share experiences), loss of control on
their neonate (limited participation in caring of neonate, and unpredictable situation of the
neonate).
Conclusion: The mothers participating in this research required adequate and correct
knowledge about prematurity. The support that mothers receive from family and health care
team members was unexpected for them and this issue concerns them about the neonate. Thus,
the nurse's role in educating and supporting the mothers and providing them with correct care of
newborns is essential
Keywords
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