The Lived Experiences of Transition to Parenthood for Parents of Preterm Infants

Abstract

Research Poster Presented at NAPNAP’s 2016 Posters on the Move, at the 37th National NAPNAP Conference, March 16, 2016, Atlanta, GA Nearly one half million babies in the United States or one in nine infants are born prematurely (Center for Disease Control, 2013). Medical advances within the past two decades have resulted in the survival of increased numbers of preterm infants, often as early as 24 weeks. Research continues to demonstrate that the preterm birth experience is emergent and unexpected, thus making the life-changing event of becoming a parent that much more stressful and in some cases traumatic. Neurobiological research indicates that networks in the brain’s right hemisphere result directly from affective variations between infant and caregiver. Impaired parental role transition can lead to cognitive, emotional and social developmental issues in the child who is already at risk. There is little in the literature to describe the voyage into parenthood after leaving the NICU and how parents perceive this new role related to their original expectations. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the lived experiences of parents of preterm infants as they structure and cope with the new reality of parenting after discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Data was collected from focus group interviews of 4 fathers and 11 mothers, online reflections from focus group participants and analysis of preterm parent support group blogs. Demographic Information from Focus Groups: The average gestational age of babies for these parents was 29 weeks with a range from 23 to 32 weeks. The average birth weight was 1261 grams (2 pounds, 8 ounces). The average length of stay in the NICU was 10 weeks, 4 days or range between 40 days and four months. The theme “Catapulted into Parenthood” was revealed as parents were thrust unexpectedly into parenting before they were ready with difficulty establishing parental identity while physically separated from their infant. The second theme, “Building a Fortress,” involved assimilation of the parental role as primary care giver after discharge. Parents recalled fearful autonomy and put up walls to protect their child, often alienating themselves and feeling misunderstood. Another theme, “Suiting up for the Challenge,” involved descriptions of being overprotective and worried about milestones, feeling justified after all their child had been through. The final theme, “Taking off the Armor,” described reintegration back into society. There was a ginger optimism in letting go of fear and worry. Relationships with other preterm parents were important to the coping process as they begun to let their guard down. The longer parents had been home since discharge, the more likely they were to achieve bonadaptation or successful coping. The data supported the notion that the birth experience, NICU stay, and challenges once home profoundly affect parental role transition. Preterm parenting is a subculture of parenting that seems to be growing as preterm infant birth rates continue to rise. There are distinctive traits that delineate this group as different from others within the parenting culture. There is a need for transitional programs to assist parents as they reintegrate to life outside the NICU and become fulltime caregivers. Nurse practitioners are uniquely equipped to play a key role in this process as they provide and coordinate care. If social science is the study of human aspects of the world, additional study of this unique group of parents should be included and prioritized as the definition of family further evolves.