Psychosocial Support
A mother’s experience of having her baby admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit is often described as an ‘emotional chaos’ (Flacking et al 2006 p73). The unfamiliar environment can cause feelings of anxiety, apprehension and exclusion and limit mothers’ ability to verbally express their individual needs (Flacking et al 2006 p73). Six studies indicated that positive psychosocial support by nurses helped to facilitate mother‑infant attachment within the neonatal intensive care unit. Of note, nurses who provided support, assistance, privacy and had a positive and encouraging attitude towards mothers throughout their experience helped to alleviate maternal anxiety (Johnson 2007 p.572; Neu 1999 p.163). Further, mothers gained satisfaction and confidence from nurses who provided education, guidance, encouragement and emotional support throughout new experiences in the neonatal intensive care unit (Johnson 2007 p571; Mok and Leung 2006
p730). This became their source of strength and knowledge, helping to alleviate stress and be close to their baby (Mok and Leung 2006 p733).