Midwives’ experiences of promoting maternal-infant attachment in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Background: Maternal–infant attachment is the process in which physical and emotional proximity, together with interactions between a mother and her infant, lead to the formation of a reciprocal relationship. This process is often interrupted by the admission of the infant to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). However, there is a lack of research on midwives’ experiences of promoting maternal–infant attachment in the NICU. Aim: To explore midwives’ experiences of promoting maternal–infant attachment in the NICU. Methods: A qualitative research approach with data collected through semi-structured interviews. An interview schedule was self-designed by the researchers. Eight qualified midwives who were currently working at the NICU were interviewed, including both seniors and juniors, of any age, nationality and level of education. The data was transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis undertaken. Results: Midwives promote maternal–infant attachment in the NICU by enabling maternal– infant closeness through encouraging maternal participation in infant care and being aware of their own qualities and attitudes. Midwives identified various restrictions and challenges to promoting maternal–infant attachment in the NICU which included factors related to the mother, the neonatal staff and the NICU environment. Conclusion: Promoting maternal–infant attachment by midwives on the neonatal unit needs improvement. Recommendations include implementing more family-centred care practices, providing more emotional support interventions for parents and the need for staff education on maternal–infant attachment in the NICU.