Psychological intervention for mothers of premature newborns

The disertation thesis focuses on the problem of premature delivery and the effect of a premature newborn on his parents' mental state and feelings. In particular, mothers of premature infants usually experience premature delivery in a very negative way. It is a difficult life situation, which increases demands on both parents, respectively on the whole family. The level of immaturity and medical condition of the premature child significantly affect and violate the natural contact and the early parent-child interaction, which in turn affects the development of their relationship. The consequences of the premature birth for parents and children may last very long, because the immaturity at birth carries a risk of health problems for the whole life. Medical care of premature newborns in the Czech Republic is at the high level and statistical indicators of this specialized care are at the top. In order to archive the best results, excelent medical care for premature infants must be completed by specialised psychological support and assistance given to the parents and whole families. Key words: risk pregnancy, premature delivery, prenatal development, limit of viability, premature newborn, early interaction, breastfeeding, child car