EC Gynaecology

Objective: This study explored the lived experiences of mothers whose newborn infants were admitted to a special care nursery, leading to separation between mother and baby.

Setting: The research was conducted in Melbourne, Australia.

Participants: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six participants who had babies in the special care nursery.

Design and Methods: The study used phenomenological methodology, specifically Colaizzi's method with an additional step of symbolic representation.

Results: Three emergent themes were identified from the data analysis:

• Physical separation and the motherhood experience: Mothers described the challenges and emotions associated with being physically separated from their babies in the special care nursery.
• Communication and relationships with nurses: Effective communication and involvement of parents in their baby's care by nurses were crucial in creating positive experiences and bonding opportunities.
• Separation can have a negative effect on a mother's emotions: Mothers reported feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and loss of control due to the separation from their infants.

Conclusion: The study findings have implications for future research, hospital policies, and clinical practice. Recommendations include further research to explore the experiences of fathers and partners in the special care nursery setting, adoption of family-centered care protocols in hospitals, and improved communication strategies to support mothers during separation from their babies.

 Keywords: Nursing; Phenomenology; Separation; Special Care Nursery

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