PERCEPTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE KANGAROO MOTHER METHOD OF MOTHERS WITH PREMATURE NEWBORNS

Abstract

Objective: The following study aims at presenting the perceptions of mothers of premature newborns, associated with the condition of prematurity, incubator care, and use of the Kangaroo Mother Care Method. Material and Method: The study was carried out with a qualitative approach, between July and December 2015, through case studies based on the Grounded Theory of Glaser and Corbin, using the Constant Comparative Method. The sampling was purposive and consisted of 22 dyads: mother and premature newborn of the Unit of Pediatric Critical Patient of a hospital in the south of Chile. For the analysis, open, axial and selective coding was used, limiting the sample according to the theoretical saturation criterion. Results: The premature newborn baby affects the mother emotionally, causing negative feelings, which are influenced by hospitalization and incubator care. The Kangaroo Mother Method is a protective factor in the positive emotionality of the mother, favoring her happiness, tranquility, early affective bond and empowerment. Conclusions: The Kangaroo Mother Method helps the development of the premature newborn and improves the emotional state of the mother in the face of an adverse situation, contributing at the same time to the well-being of the newborn baby.