Table 2 Summary of emerging themes and sub-themes
Overarching theme: Mothers’ fear of losing their baby was a pervasive sentiment that drove their participation in the NCU, and shaped perceptions and experiences | |
|---|---|
Theme 1: Mothers’ perceptions of quality of care were influenced by baby outcomes and health care providers’ responsiveness | a. Mothers’ confidence in medical treatment depended on baby outcomes b. Health care providers’ responsiveness was not taken for granted |
Theme 2: Mothers’ focus on “doing” things that aid their baby's survival | a. Focus on doing b. Suppressing own feelings and attachment to baby |
Theme 3: Mothers’ needs in the process of caring for babies in NCU | a. Mothers’ need for empathy from health care providers b. Mothers’ need of a safe space c. Mothers rely on family for logistical and financial support |