Mothering a Preterm Infant Receiving NIDCAP Care in a Level III Newborn Intensive Care Unit

The purpose of the study is to describe the unique meaning and significance of the essential elements of mothering a preterm infant receiving Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) care in a level III NICU. The overall aim was to promote an increased understanding among healthcare practitioners of the experience of this group of women.

The authors utilized an existential-phenomenologic method to investigate the experience of 7 mothers of a preterm infant 30weeks gestation or less at birth.

Analysis of interview transcripts revealed one overarching theme, parenting with permission, and three essential themes with nine underlying subthemes: choosing to participate (subthemes: managing, settling in, making friends), dealing with people (subthemes: meeting needs, facing judgment, and recognizing not everyone is 'on board,' and coming to feel like a mother (subthemes: overcoming fear, gaining understanding, and feeling empowered).

Mothers universally praised NIDCAP for the education and support it provided them. However findings also suggest that great sensitivity and patience is required by professionals to assist mothers to overcome their fear, gain confidence, and participate in NIDCAP without feeling judged. In addition private rooms were found to hold great significance for mothers and should be maintained for the entire hospitalization whenever possible. Finally, ongoing NIDCAP education/support for staff and regular team meetings to discuss and problem-solve concerns are suggested. This might address inconsistent adherence to the NIDCAP care plan by some nurses, which is the greatest source of maternal conflict and frustration.