Navigating preterm motherhood: Perceived support and coping strategies in neonatal intensive care units

Preterm birth is a global challenge in neonatal health, causing emotional and psychological pressures for mothers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Research on mothers’ perceptions of support systems and coping strategies is crucial for developing effective healthcare interventions to enhance maternal well-being and caregiving capacity. This research utilised a qualitative descriptive framework to examine the experiences of postnatal mothers of preterm infants within tertiary NICU environments. Data collection was conducted via five focus group discussions (FGDs), each comprising five mothers who had recently delivered preterm infants at a tertiary hospital NICU. Participants were furnished with comprehensive study information and provided informed consent prior to their involvement. The data underwent thematic content analysis to elucidate and identify main themes and subthemes. The analysis identified three predominant themes: emotional and psychological difficulties, perceived support networks, and coping strategies. Mothers indicated experiencing shock, fear, guilt, helplessness, and isolation, which compromised their capacity to care for their preterm infants. Nevertheless, support from family members, healthcare providers, and peer support groups was instrumental in mitigating emotional distress. Furthermore, mothers adopted various coping strategies, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, self-care practices, and instances of empowerment and resilience, to manage the challenges associated with preterm motherhood. The study emphasises the need for emotional support interventions in neonatal intensive care units, improved training for healthcare professionals, and strengthened family and community support networks to improve maternal well-being and coping strategies. Future research could subject these findings to quantitative assessment to support generalisation.