Getting a grip in the middle of chaos: Preparing for preterm parenthood during a high-risk pregnancy – Parental experiences and needs
Ruhe, Kiki; van den Hoogen, Agnes; Bröring-Starre, Tinka; Wielenga, Joke M.; van Weissenbruch, Mirjam M.
(2022) Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics, volume 111, issue 7, pp. 1324 - 1330
(Article)
Abstract
Aim: Admitting an infant to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is stressful for parents. A great source of stress is the loss of their desired parental role. This study explores parents’ experiences and needs during a high-risk pregnancy in preparation for their role as parents of a preterm infant.
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Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted among parents with a preterm infant admitted to two level-III NICUs in the Netherlands. A thematic analysis was performed. Results: Nineteen interviews were conducted with parents of preterm infants (26–34 weeks gestational age). Getting a grip in the middle of chaos was identified as the central theme. In the pre-admission phase, coping with potential preterm parenthood was a theme, with coping strategies as subthemes that changed over time from avoidance to being ready to parent a preterm infant. The theme envisioning the NICU emerged in the NICU admission phase, with subthemes preterm care journey and opportunities for involvement fostering parental empowerment. Conclusion: Timing and content of information about a parental role in the NICU should be tailored to the individual expectant parent. A customisable intervention bundle may provide a vision of the NICU and the parents’ active role in care.
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Keywords: neonatal intensive care units, parents, premature birth, preparation, qualitative research, Humans, Parents, Infant, Pregnancy, Pregnancy, High-Risk, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal, Infant, Premature, Female, Qualitative Research, Infant, Newborn, Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health, Journal Article
ISSN: 0803-5253
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Note: Funding Information: None The authors express their gratitude to the parents who willingly shared their experiences during a difficult time in their lives. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Authors. Acta Paediatrica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica.
(Peer reviewed)