Maternal transition process in preterm neonatal hospitalization

Macetas Idrogo C.D.C.; Diaz Manchay R.J.; Guerrero Quiroz E.S.; Nuñez Odar A.R.; Cervera Vallejos M.F. · Index de Enfermeria (2026) · DOI: 10.58807/indexenferm20268320

Resumen

Objective: To describe the transition process of mothers during hospitalization of their preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methods: Exploratory qualitative study. Thirteen mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU of a public hospital in Jaén, Peru, participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The information obtained was analyzed using content analysis. Results: Four categories were identified: (a) Impact of the transition at the beginning of hospitalization: fear, guilt, and uncertainty; (b) Coping during the hospitalization process through the maternal role; (c) Participation of healthcare staff, peer mothers, and family during the transition process; (d) Ending the transition: toward the stability of the premature infant. Conclusions: The hospitalization of a premature infant in intensive care constitutes a complex and significant transition experience for mothers, involving transformations at both the personal and family levels. Throughout this process, mothers develop skills and behaviors that strengthen their maternal role. In this context, nursing intervention is essential to support and facilitate a healthy transition.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo