Mothers’ perceptions on interaction-communication with their preterm babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate mothers’ perceptions of interaction and communication with their premature babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. A descriptive, cross-sectional, qualitative, and quantitative study was conducted at the Integrated Medical Care Center in the city of Fortaleza, from January to December 2022, with 30 mothers of premature babies. Sociodemographic and baby health questionnaires were applied, along with a semi-structured interview. Thematic contente analysis, supported by theories on language development care, was adopted. Mothers’ perceptions of interaction and communication were associated with uncertainties related to the baby’s developmental difficulties, influenced by hospital settings and healthcare professionals. It was concluded that mothers’ knowledge level about the language development of their premature babies is vague, making them passive spectators of their babies’ care, generating negative emotions.