Mothers' experiences of interacting with their premature infants

Abstract

Positive mother–infant interactions are important for child development, particularly for premature infants who are at greater risk of developmental delay. Research suggests that maternal interactions with premature infants may be compromised, but there has been little research into mothers' perceptions of interacting with infants following discharge from neonatal care. This qualitative study examined the experiences of mothers of interacting with their premature infants and explored their perceived support and information needs. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with twenty mothers which were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Median gestational age of infants at birth was 27 weeks (23–34). Transcripts were thematically analysed and nine themes emerged from the data. Mothers reported feeling unsure and anxious about interacting with their infants in the early periods after discharge. Babies were perceived as sleepy and unresponsive. Many participants recalled that information about taking infants home had focused on physical care with little guidance about interactions and play. Participants felt supported in the neonatal unit, but health professionals in the community were perceived as lacking necessary expertise in the care of premature infants. There is a clear need for informational support for parents at discharge which focuses on helping them to promote their premature infant's development.

Keywords:

• mothers
• perceptions
• prematurity
• qualitative methods
• social interaction

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the women who so generously shared their experiences with us for this research and also the premature baby charity, BLISS, for invaluable help with recruitment.