title: The experience of mothers whose very low-birth-weight infant requires the delivery of supplemental oxygen in the neonatal intensive care unit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examines the experience of mothers whose very low-birth-weight infants require the delivery of supplemental oxygen during their hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven mothers of very low-birth-weight infants who have received various supplemental oxygen delivery methods in the NICU for a minimum of 7 days were selected for interview.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative descriptive.
  
  
  METHODS
  One semistructured interview exploring mothers' experiences surrounding oxygen delivery methods was conducted. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken to describe mothers' experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four themes emerged related to the oxygen therapy and the various methods of delivery: Oxygen therapy is a positive, worries about the adverse effects for my baby now and in the future, a learning experience, and the delivery of supplemental oxygen is a barrier to mothering.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mothers balanced the positive aspects of oxygen therapy with their fears of the negative consequences. They were able to adapt to the equipment and trajectory of having their infant on supplemental oxygen delivery methods. Mothers were particularly distressed by the physical barriers created by oxygen delivery methods (ie, unable to hold, hear, or see their baby). Nurses in the NICU should support mothers' positive reframing as a way of coping, provide education about the consequences of this therapy, encourage mothers to touch and hold their infants, and provide opportunities for them to see their infants' faces.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Montreal Children's Hospital, Quebec, Canada. amandacervantes@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Amanda C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Cervantes
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Feeley
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lariviere
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen