Parents' experiences of the time preceding infant admission to hospital within 4 weeks of birth: a qualitative interview study

Infant readmissions within the first 28 days of life have risen significantly over the past decade.

Postnatal care is often described as under-resourced, with many women reporting a lack of sufficient support after birth.

To explore parents' experiences in the lead-up to infant readmission within the first four weeks of life.

Twenty-eight parents of 18 infants unexpectedly admitted to a large urban paediatric referral hospital in England within four weeks of birth were interviewed face to face. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Parents valued being united in their role as protectors. Mothers struggling with breastfeeding often felt intense responsibility, being their baby's sole source of nutrition. When concerns arose, some parents were unsure who to contact. Seeking advice from family sometimes delayed professional help. Others felt dismissed by health professionals offering false reassurance. Many were comforted upon arriving at the hospital and receiving a diagnosis, which validated their concerns and reinforced their protective instincts.

This study highlights parents' need to be together post-birth, their decision-making when their baby became unwell, and their interactions with health professionals during readmission.

Services should support shared caregiving early on by improving partner access to postnatal wards and enhancing community support for families returning home. The care pathway for unwell infants is often unclear and should be made more accessible to avoid unnecessary emergency visits. Health professionals must prioritise women's emotional wellbeing, especially during breastfeeding challenges, and respond seriously to parental concerns with clear escalation routes.