Becoming a caregiver of premature newborns and the devices part of the continuity of post-discharge care

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the devices part of the continuity of the care for premature newborns and how caregivers experience post-discharge care for extreme premature newborns. Method: this is a qualitative study, developed from June to October 2013, with data collection using thematic oral history, with ten caregivers, and construction of narratives that have been analyzed based on the references of Deleuze and Guatarri. Results: the path to become a caregiver of premature newborns is a trajectory of productions of subjectivities, in which encounters, insecurities, faith, avoidance of work and adaptation can be identified. The results indicate that the care for premature newborns must incorporate care practices capable of enhancing the production of life, which implies a non-directed discursiveness of professionals exclusively because of an absence of disease, but which considers the existential projects of the caregivers. Conclusion: the continuity of the care happens with different care arrangements. However, the role of the caregiver was able to trigger movements and it is a powerful device for the continuity of the care.