Not being able to hug our baby before the cables: Early experiences of parents with premature babies

OpenAlex İngilizce

BACKGROUND: The nursing care provided after the intensive care period and discharge can contribute to the optimal growth and development of the baby while protecting the mental health of the parents. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine in detail the experiences of parents with premature babies about having a premature baby and their experiences with the hospitalization process of their babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). DESIGN: The methodological approach was informed by Van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological methodology. The sample consisted of 15 parents who had a preterm baby in the NICU of a state hospital in Turkey. RESULTS: The data obtained from this study were categorized under four themes: having a preterm baby, perception of intensive care, feelings toward nurses, emotions about discharge and home care. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals should know what the parents' perception of being a parent and having a premature baby is.