[Our possibilities and limitations in the care and management of severely ill premature and newborn infants].

Even normal care of prematurely newborn babies in neonatal intensive-care unit can be critical for them. It is within the responsibility of the nurse to decide how much care is possible and how much rest the children require. An important part of the work of the nurse is the care of the parents. Usually the child has been taken away from the parents immediately after labour and delivery. Often the mother is in an other hospital (and cannot yet be moved); thus, the nurse becomes a mediator between the parents and the child. The decision to stop treatment is very difficult for all concerned. In this difficult situation parents need the input and support of the nurses who know their children best. More creativity is needed for the development of new ideas in the care for prematurely or handicapped newborn babies. Additionally more attention to the desires of the parents should be given.