Maternal experiences of neonatal hospitalization

Waiting for the arrival of a child awakens various feelings in the family especially in the mother. However the unexpected hospitalization of the newborn brings about ambivalent feelings on the part of the mothers. It is understood that mothers'' experiences of their newborn''s hospitalization generate feelings of sadness guilt fear and frustration. However they can also arouse positive feelings as they experience their child''s daily improvement. Studies have highlighted the need for nursing staff to identify these feelings in order to help mothers cope with hospitalization and provide more effective care for their child.