Lived experiences of mothers caring for newborns in mother newborn care units: a phenomenological study on maternal bonding and perinatal mental health

Bhawna Verma; Sugandha Arya; Ratan Gupta; Rhea Shriyan; Komal Upreti; Srishti Verma

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20260096

Authors

Bhawna Verma Department of Pediatrics, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi India
Sugandha Arya Department of Pediatrics, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi India
Ratan Gupta Department of Pediatrics, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
Rhea Shriyan Department of Pediatrics, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
Komal Upreti Department of Nursing, Amrita College of nursing, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Faridabad, Haryana, India
Srishti Verma Department of Pediatrics, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20260096

Keywords:

Mother newborn care unit, Maternal experience, Phenomenological study, Small and sick newborns

Abstract

Background: The mother newborn care unit (MNCU) is a unit offering 24×7 Level II care dedicated for sick newborns and mothers within the same setting. It is crucial to understand the maternal experiences in such a setting, so present study aims to explore the experiences of the mothers whose babies are admitted in MNCU.

Methods: The experiences of postpartum mothers whose newborns were admitted to Safdarjung Hospital's MNCU were explored by using a qualitative phenomenological research design. Through a purposive sampling technique, 15 eligible postpartum mothers were selected. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted using demographic details, observational notes, including non-verbal cues. At least 3 follow-up interviews were conducted with mothers to further explore their experiences over time.

Results: Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with mothers revealed 10 major themes, followed by detailed transcription, translation, systematic coding and the organization of data into meaningful categories and 21 subthemes. According to the study, major themes were positive psychological adaptation, strengthening through active participation, conducive institutional environment, enhanced health awareness, improved maternal satisfaction, decreased anxiety regarding newborn health and enhanced maternal-newborn bonding. Health awareness and psychological resilience of mothers were further improved by peer engagement and nursing assistance. However, challenges like postpartum fatigue and discomfort, decreased time with family as a result of strict visiting guidelines and concerns about newborn’s health have been observed. Despite these concerns, mothers remained hopeful and emotionally resilient.

Conclusions: The findings highlight the positive psychological impacts of the MNCU model, particularly in enhancing bonding, mothers’ emotional well-being, empowerment via active engagement and the adoption of improved coping mechanisms.

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