Experience of Postnatal mothers on Caring Skills to Prevent Complications of Premature babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Muhimbili National Hospital

Abstract

Background Premature delivery is an obstetric complication that leads to delivery of the premature baby. Premature babies have risks of developing complications such as neonatal sepsis, jaundice, hypothermia, aspiration pneumonia and respiratory distress due to their prematurity condition and also growth and developmental impairment as long term complications. Some of the complications may occur during the care that the premature babies received either from medical intervention or mothers. Mothers are commonly integrated into the care of their premature babies at the NICU, therefore it is important to understand their experience in preventing complications of premature babies when caring for them. Aim This study explored the experiences of postnatal mothers on caring skills in preventing complications of premature babies during care at NICU, MNH. Methods The descriptive qualitative research design was conducted at MNH. In-depth interview was conducted using an interview guide to collect data, using the Kiswahili language and were audio-recorded. Twelve (12) participants aged 18-31 years old were conveniently recruited for the study and the principle of saturation guided the recruitment process. Thematic analysis guided analysis of the data. Results The postnatal mothers reported receiving continuous information, support and guidance on premature complications during care from health care providers. They used various strategies such as proper handwashing, covering of the baby with clothes and burping of the baby after each feeds to prevent the complication of premature babies like neonatal infection, hypothermia and aspiration pneumonia respectively. However, mothers faced some challenges when caring for these babies. They reported being emotional, missed social and economic support, lack of medical equipment and supplies and physical exhaustion. Moreover, mothers use religious belief and encouragement as the coping strategy that helping them to endure suffering while caring for their babies in NICU. Conclusion Mothers receive support, guidance and information from healthcare providers that help them prevent complications of the premature babies when providing care at the NICU. Mothers use various strategies such as maintain hand washing, covering the baby with clothes and burping of the baby after each feeds to prevent complications such as neonatal infection, hypothermia, and aspiration pneumonia. Also, mothers experience challenges such as being emotional, missed social and economic support, lack of medical equipment and supplies and physical exhaustion.

Keywords: Premature baby, premature babies complications, mother’s experience, NICU