Ways to Reduce Stress in Mothers with Babies in the NICU

Nearly half a million preterm infants are born each year in the United States.

• Preterm delivery leads to significant psychosocial challenges for mothers.
• Mothers of preterm infants may experience increased stress due to feelings of helplessness and exclusion.
• The time spent in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can hinder emotional preparation for parenting.
• Parents often lack sufficient knowledge about caring for their infants in the NICU.
• Interventions by nurses may help to alleviate the stress faced by mothers of NICU infants.

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