The aim of this study was to understand the experience of the parents of premature newborn infant of very low birth weight, dischargedfrom Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care of the University Hospital. It was conducted through qualitative approach, using ethnography as method, in its interpretative perspective. Data were collected using participant observation, and interviews with six parents. From this analysis emerged six categories and two cultural themes: "The capacity to be parents: fighting moments and growth" and "Caring and living together with a child". Parents lived all the process with fear and hope. They said this experience was very intense and transforming. They felt capable to take care of the child after hospital discharge, although recognized new obstacles in the social-cultural context to carry out the responsibility of being parents.
Infant, premature; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Intensive Care, neonatal; Anthropology, cultural