The Experience of Mothers Whose Very Low-Birth-Weight Infant Requires the Delivery of Supplemental Oxygen in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

This study examines the experience of mothers whose very low-birth-weight infants require the delivery of supplemental oxygen during their hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Eleven mothers of very low-birth-weight infants who have received various supplemental oxygen delivery methods in the NICU for a minimum of 7 days were selected for interview. Qualitative descriptive. One semistructured interview exploring mothers' experiences surrounding oxygen delivery methods was conducted. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken to describe mothers' experience. Four themes emerged related to the oxygen therapy and the various methods of delivery: Oxygen therapy is a positive, worries about the adverse effects for my baby now and in the future, a learning experience, and the delivery of supplemental oxygen is a barrier to mothering. Mothers balanced the positive aspects of oxygen therapy with their fears of the negative consequences. They were able to adapt to the equipment and trajectory of having their infant on supplemental oxygen delivery methods. Mothers were particularly distressed by the physical barriers created by oxygen delivery methods (ie, unable to hold, hear, or see their baby). Nurses in the NICU should support mothers' positive reframing as a way of coping, provide education about the consequences of this therapy, encourage mothers to touch and hold their infants, and provide opportunities for them to see their infants' faces.