ArticleBMC pregnancy and childbirth2026
Motherhood in crisis: lived experiences of mothers with babies admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in Northern Uganda.
Article in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundThe neonatal period is a critical time for both the newborn and the parents, as they transition into parenthood. Mothers with babies admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) often experience emotional distress, uncertainty, separation from their babies, and disruption of expected maternal roles. In low-resource settings such as Northern Uganda, where neonatal care and psychosocial support services remain limited, little is known about the experiences of mothers with babies admitted to the NICU. This study explored the lived experiences of mothers with babies admitted to the NICU of Lira Regional Referral Hospital in Northern Uganda.
methodsA descriptive phenomenological study was conducted at a public regional hospital in Northern Uganda (PRRH). We purposively selected 10 mothers whose babies had been admitted to the NICU for at least three days. Data were collected through phenomenological in-depth interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework.
resultsFour major themes emerged from the analysis: emotional grief regarding baby's hospitalization/admission needs, burden of a baby's hospitalization, mother's satisfaction with care given by healthcare workers and altered motherhood role and support systems. Mothers described intense emotional distress characterized by fear, uncertainty, hopelessness, and disruption of maternal expectations. Financial hardship, prolonged hospitalization, and separation from family further intensified their experiences. Despite these challenges, many mothers expressed appreciation for the compassionate care provided by healthcare workers and relied on spirituality and hope as coping mechanisms.
conclusionMothers' experiences were shaped by communication from health workers, the baby's clinical condition, hospital requirements, and the availability of interpersonal support. Improving communication, ensuring availability of essential supplies, and strengthening interpersonal support may improve mothers' experiences during NICU admission.
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