Parental experiences in the context of prematurity: from the NICU to the baby’s first year of life.

Abstract:

Prematurity and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have effects on parents and children, which can hinder their relationship and the child’s psychic constitution. This qualitative study aimed to understand parental experiences with prematurity from the baby’s hospitalization up until 12 months old. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of four premature babies during their NICU stay, after discharge and at 12 months of life, using thematic analysis, which generated five major themes. Although obstacles experienced by the parents were evidenced, they strengthened and resumed the ability to care, invest and feel invested by their children.

Keywords:
prematurity; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; psychoanalysis; parenting