Maternal experiences of preterm birth and neonatal intensive care

Abstract

This study investigates the experiences of mothers of pretenn infants undergoing intensive care in 3 local NHS Trusts, utilising a pre-existing questionnaire (PSS; NTCU, Miles et aL, 1993) and a semi-structured interview based on some of the
theories associated with stress, coping and adaptation to preterm birth. The investigation was conducted prospectively in the early newborn period. Forty mother and infant pairs were included in the main study, and infants were excluded if they
were critically ill. Findings indicate that mothers are distressed by many factors associated with the birth and admission, particularly issues concerning their relationship with the infant and separation worries.
Interview data revealed others sources of stress not examined by the questionnaire, and further scale development is suggested. Adaptation to preterm birth appears to be similar to the 'psychology of victimisation' in that efforts towards cognitive adaptation (Taylor, 1983) are evident. New models of psycho-emotional su,pport for mothers in NICU are suggested based on some of the findings in this and other studies.