Exploration of the process of maternal role attainment in Iranian mothers with preterm neonate: a grounded theory

Abstract

ABSTRACT Becoming a mother is an important event in a woman’s life. When a preterm neonate is hospitalized, it is usually difficult for mother to attain maternal role. Nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are in a unique position that can help establish a healthy mother-infant relationship. The purpose of this study was to exploration of the process of maternal role attainment in Iranian mothers with preterm neonate. In this qualitative study, the data were collected through semi-structured interview and observation using field note and memoes writing. The process of data collection was carried out by purposeful sampling from 20 participants. Data were analyzed according to Corbin and Strauss’s approach and using constant comparative analysis technique. Data analysis showed seven categories for the processing of maternal role attainment in Iranian mother with preterm neonate including A) unpleasant engagement; B) Maternal burden; C) Focusing on the baby; D) self-reinforcement; E) Gaining maternal competency; F) extra mothering and G) The context of maternal role attainment. And the “Concern-oriented mothering” also appeared as a core variable. The findings of this study showed that the transition to maternal role in the mother with a preterm neonate is a multidimensional, complex and dynamic social process. The theoretical model developed in this study can help the field of maternal and neonatal nursing in Iran.