Ellemes Phuma-Ngaiyaye
Mzuzu University, Malawi
Title: Strategies to support maternal-newborn bonding for mothers of newborn babies admitted in a neonatal intensive care unit at one of the tertiary hospitals in Malawi
Biography
Biography: Ellemes Phuma-Ngaiyaye
Abstract
Background: Illness and hospitalization of a newborn baby may interrupt the natural maternal-infant bonding and attachment process. This may in turn affect the maternal-newborn relationships because of stress. It is not documented what strategies were used in the neonatal intensive care units in Malawi to support maternal-newborn bonding.
Aim: This paper explored the strategies used by healthcare providers to support maternal-newborn bonding and attachment for mothers with neonates admitted in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Methodology: The study was qualitative in nature and used in-depth interviews and observations. Five nurse/midwives working in and 10 mothers with infants admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit, at one of the tertiary hospitals in Malawi, participated in the study.
Results: The results showed that as the nurse/midwives strive to provide specialised nursing care to the sick infants, several measures were also carried out to support maternal-infant bonding. These measures focused on maternal-infant interaction, through breastfeeding, kangaroo mother care and maternal participation in the child’s care; and nurse/midwife-mother interaction through communication and psychosocial support. These strategies helped the mothers to feel close to their children and develop positive and trustful relationships.
Conclusion: Nurses and midwives working in neonatal intensive care units should strive to promote these strategies to support maternal-newborn attachment. This will minimize maternal-infant separation, thereby alleviating anxiety and enhancing maternal confidence when interacting with the newborn baby.