Mothers' perceptions of family centred care in neonatal intensive care units

•Family Centred Care is the model of healthcare adopted by UK neonatal units.•12 mothers were interviewed about their experiences of Family Centred Care.•Mothers found it difficult to take on their maternal role in these environments.•Mothers struggled to form authentic, trusting relationships with neonatal staff.•Key components of Family Centred Care were not recognized by these mothers.

ObjectiveTo explore mothers' perceptions of family centred care (FCC) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in England.DesignThe qualitative experiences of 12 mothers from three NICUs in the UK were elicited using individual interviews. A thematic network analysis was conducted on the transcribed interviewsMain outcome measuresA central global theme supported by a number of organizing themes were developed reflecting the views of the mothers and their experiences of FCC.ResultsA global theme of “Finding My Place” was identified, supported by six organizing themes: Mothering in Limbo; Deference to the Experts; Anxious Surveillance; Muted Relations, Power Struggles and Consistently Inconsistent. Mothers experienced a state of liminality and were acutely sensitive to power struggles, awkward relationships and inconsistencies in care. To try to maintain their equilibrium and protect their baby they formed deferential relationships with health professionals and remained in a state of anxious surveillance.ConclusionsThis study illustrates that despite the rhetoric around the practice of FCC in NICUs, there was little in the mother's narratives to support this. It is of the utmost importance to minimize the consequences of the liminal experience, to improve staff-mother interactions and to facilitate mothers' opportunities to be primary caregivers.