Needs, concerns and stresses of mothers of preterm infants : strategies for intervention

Includes bibliographical references (pages 103-108)In this descriptive study, twenty-three mothers who had had preterm infants who were hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit were interviewed in order to identify and examine their needs, concerns and stresses. Next, the more salient trends or issues that emerged from analyzing these needs, concerns and stresses were identified.\ud The birth of a preterm infant is often viewed by mothers to be a highly traumatic and stressful experience. They are in a state of shock and anxiety when their baby is born prematurely. Their dreams of a normal, healthy baby are shattered. Now, they are faced with the fearsome possibility that their newborn might not survive and, if it does, it might have serious medical or developmental problems. It is important, therefore, that professionals who are involved in the care and treatment of preterm infants know, not only about the infant's needs, but also about the needs and concerns of the mothers of these infants. (See more in text.