Getting a grip in the middle of chaos: Preparing for preterm parenthood during a high-risk pregnancy - Parental experiences and needs.

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.

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.