Attention and care to newborn's family in neonatal unit: perspectives of health staff

Abstract

Assisting children interned in a neonatal intensive care unit is complex and goes beyond technical care, consisting also of extensive attention and care to mother and family. The present study aimed to describe the perception of professionals about the condition of being the mother of a child in neonatal ICU and to analyze the strategies of support and aid from professionals to parents/ and family. This qualitative study was conducted with eleven Neonatology Service professionals, using free observation and semi-structured interviews. The professionals showed sensibility to the mother’s situation and the need of intervene with the parents and facilitating expression of feelings and the exchange of information, thus contributing to the child’s treatment. Nevertheless, not all professionals take advantage of these opportune moments to preserve and protect the physical and mental health of mother/family and the child itself.