Perinatal care experiences among racially and ethnically diverse mothers whose infants required a NICU stay

To learn how diverse mothers whose babies required a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay evaluate their obstetric and neonatal care.

We conducted three focus groups stratified by race/ethnicity (Black, Latina, White, and Asian women, n = 20) who delivered infants at <32 weeks gestation or <1500 g with a NICU stay. We asked women to assess perinatal care and applied classic qualitative analysis techniques to identify themes and make comparisons across groups.

Predominant themes were similar across groups, including thoroughness and consistency of clinician communication, provider attentiveness, and barriers to closeness with infants. Care experiences were largely positive, but some suggested poorer communication and responsiveness toward Black and Latina mothers.

Feeling consulted and included in infant care is critical for mothers of high-risk neonates. Further in-depth research is needed to remediate differences in hospital culture and quality that contribute to disparities in neonatal care and outcomes.