Parents’ experience during the hospitalisation of the preterm infant

Abstract

Theoretical framework: The birth of preterm infants is increasing and parents are faced with several difficulties and constraints, especially when the premature baby requires hospitalisation. Objectives: To identify the feelings experienced by parents at the anticipated birth of a child and demonstrate the influence of hospitalisation on the adaptation to parenthood. Methodology: Qualitative exploratory-descriptive study, using a non-probability sample of 12 parents whose children had been admitted to neonatal intensive care units. Semi-structured interviews were used and their contents were analysed. Results: Seven categories emerged: Impact of premature birth; Parents’ feelings/ emotions; Parenting given the child’s hospitalisation; Significant events for parents related to the newborn; Support received by parents; Parents’ opinion regarding hospitalisation; and Institutional aspects to be improved. Conclusion: We believe that the results found help us understand the difficulties and meanings attributed to the parents’ experience, so as to strengthen measures to humanise the processes of adaptation to illness and promote parenting, thus optimising Nursing care.