Parenting in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: This qualitative study is aimed at describing parental feelings, their readiness during discharge, and their needs while their infant is in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: The study was conducted with the parents of infants being monitored in a neonatal intensive care unit. A total of 30 in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 parents. This qualitative study was carried out using the Gadamerian-based research method. After parents were informed about the study, written and verbal consent was obtained from them. Results: The content analysis of the interview data resulted in six themes: ‘sense of trust and cocoon effect, anxiety and conflicting emotions, parent–infant bonding and breastfeeding, fear of providing care, readiness/unreadiness and support needs and recommendations’. Conclusion: Parents often feel anxious and fearful about harming their vulnerable infants, with added stress surrounding their ability to provide care and the discharge process.