Mothers of preterm infants: Experiences of space, tone and transfer in the neonatal care unit

Neonatal units are technologically well-equipped hospital rooms where preterm babies spend months growing and developing. Mothers spend much time there caring for their infant. When infants are free from technology, the dyad is transferred to another room in the unit. The aim of this study was to investigate preterm mothers' experiences and recollections of the neonatal room. Five mothers were interviewed repeatedly. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and categories and themes were developed. Mothers experienced one room as quiet and caring, another as a hustled passage room. A personal space, the tone in the room and the transfer meant a lot for the mothers: they were well recollected. The transfer to a next-door room is recognized as causing bewilderment because of the new atmosphere.