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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Parents’ expectations of staff in the early bonding process with their premature babies in the intensive care setting: a qualitative multicenter study with 60 parents

Authors: Sonia Guillaume, Natacha Michelin, Elodie Amrani, Brigitte Benier, Xavier Durrmeyer, Sandra Lescure, Charlotte Bony, Claude Danan, Olivier Baud, Pierre-Henri Jarreau, Elodie Zana-Taïeb, Laurence Caeymaex

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

During the first weeks of hospitalization, premature babies and their parents encounter difficulties in establishing early bonds and interactions. Only a few studies have explored what caregivers can do to meet parents' needs in relation to these interactions and help optimize them. This study sought to explore parents' perception of these first interactions and to identify the actions of caregivers that help or hinder its development.

Methods

Prospective study, qualitative discourse analysis of 60 face-to-face interviews conducted with 30 mothers and 30 fathers of infants born before 32 weeks of gestation (mean ± SD: 27 ± 2 weeks of gestational age), during their child's stay in one out of three NICUs in France. Interviews explored parental experience, from before birth up to the first month of life.

Results

Data analysis uncovered two main themes, which were independent of parents' geographical or cultural origin but differed between mothers and fathers. First, fathers described the bond with their child as composed more of words and looks and involving distance, while mothers experienced the bond more physically. Secondly, two aspects of the caregivers' influence were decisive: nurses' caring attitude towards baby and parents, and their communication with parents, which reduced stress and made interactions with the baby possible. This communication appeared to be the locus of a supportive and fulfilling encounter between parents and caregivers that reinforced parents' perception of a developing bond.

Conclusions

At birth and during the first weeks in the NICU, the creation of a bond between mothers and fathers and their premature baby is rooted in their relationship with the caregivers. Nurses' caring attitude and regular communication adapted to specific needs are perceived by parents as necessary preconditions for parents' interaction and development of a bond with their baby. These results might allow NICU staff to provide better support to parents and facilitate the emergence of a feeling of parenthood.
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Metadata
Title
Parents’ expectations of staff in the early bonding process with their premature babies in the intensive care setting: a qualitative multicenter study with 60 parents
Authors
Sonia Guillaume
Natacha Michelin
Elodie Amrani
Brigitte Benier
Xavier Durrmeyer
Sandra Lescure
Charlotte Bony
Claude Danan
Olivier Baud
Pierre-Henri Jarreau
Elodie Zana-Taïeb
Laurence Caeymaex
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2431-13-18

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