Mastery of stress in mothers of preterm infants

Mothers of preterm babies feel increased stress during the period right after birth. The need for information on the newborn's status and care fuels this stress. Other factors are separation from the baby due to the barriers imposed by the neonatal intensive care unit, grief associated with a less-than-ideal child being born, and financial worries. Mothers of preterm infants also experience stress from lack of adequate social support. Prior experience with and the attainment of personal control over such a situation, good self-esteem and adequate social support can lead to a reduction in stress. A study of this matter confirmed these ideas, particularly the importance of social support in stress reduction.