The experience of mothering a preterm: a prolonged crisis with the potential for personal growth

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective and background The nine months of pregnancy allow mothers to plan for the birth of their child practically and emotionally. A very preterm birth, which is generally unexpected and requires the infant’s stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), is perceived as a crisis by most mothers. This study sought to investigate the significance for the mother of the combined experience of a very preterm birth and the infant’s stay in the NICU two-three years after the birth. Methods Using qualitative methodology, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 mothers (age 26–44) whose infants were born at 24–32 weeks. The analysis adopted the approach of multi-level listening to the diverse voices of the interviewees. Results Four core themes emerged: negative feelings about the preterm birth; the NICU experience as a crisis; long-term effects of the very preterm birth and NICU experience; personal growth following the preterm birth and NICU. Discussion In view of the findings, we discuss the meaning of the circumstances surrounding preterm birth on motherhood, and offer recommendations for practitioners.