HOSPITALIZATION OF A NEWBORN IN A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED BY PARENTS DURING HOSPITALIZATION

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15951425120313

• Palavras-chave: Intensive Care; Neonatology; Experiences; Humanization.

• Keywords: Intensive Care; Neonatology; Experiences; Humanization.

• Abstract:

  The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a hospitalization service for newborn babies. The NICU is a hospital environment prepared to receive babies who were born before 37 weeks of gestation, who are underweight or who have some problem that could interfere with their development. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the feelings expressed by fathers and mothers of newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, highlighting difficulties during hospitalization and in caring for and recovering their children. The methodology adopted was descriptive and exploratory, with a qualitative approach. To collect data, interviews were carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire that was applied individually. The research was carried out in a general hospital in the municipality of Colatina (ES), which is a reference in maternal and child care in the region and which has a NICU. The study participants were mothers and fathers of newborns admitted to the unit. The results revealed that when parents are with their hospitalized children, they experience emotions translated into fear, anguish and anxiety. For parents, the NICU represents a frightening environment, but one that is necessary for the specialized care required due to the condition of the premature newborn.