OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feelings and expectations of mothers of preterm babies at discharge. METHODS: This descriptive study used Bardin's framework to collect data among 11 mothers of preterm babies from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Data were collected through interviews from December 2004 to January 2005. RESULTS: Four categories emerged: the moment of the discharge; mothers' knowledge and questions; mothers' preparation and orientation for discharge; and, mothers' desired orientation. CONCLUSION: Although mothers' experienced excitement and happiness at discharge, many reported being anxious and insecure on how to take care of their preterm babies.
Infant; premature; Patient discharge; Intensive care units, neonatal; Anxiety; Mother-child relationships