Getting a grip in the middle of chaos: Preparing for preterm parenthood during a high‐risk pregnancy – Parental experiences and needs

AIM: Admitting an infant to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is stressful for parents. A great source of stress is the loss of their desired parental role. This study explores parents’ experiences and needs during a high‐risk pregnancy in preparation for their role as parents of a preterm infant. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted among parents with a preterm infant admitted to two level‐III NICUs in the Netherlands. A thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Nineteen interviews were conducted with parents of preterm infants (26–34 weeks gestational age). Getting a grip in the middle of chaos was identified as the central theme. In the pre‐admission phase, coping with potential preterm parenthood was a theme, with coping strategies as subthemes that changed over time from avoidance to being ready to parent a preterm infant. The theme envisioning the NICU emerged in the NICU admission phase, with subthemes preterm care journey and opportunities for involvement fostering parental empowerment. CONCLUSION: Timing and content of information about a parental role in the NICU should be tailored to the individual expectant parent. A customisable intervention bundle may provide a vision of the NICU and the parents’ active role in care.