CARING FOR PARENTS OF HIGH‐RISK INFANTS

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Abstract
An important but often neglected aspect of the care of a high‐risk infant is that provided for the parents. The psychological stress from the birth of a preterm or sick infant may be compounded by the prolonged separation from the infant treated in the special care nursery. It is the responsibility of the staff to minimize the stress to the parents and to encourage the development of the parent‐infant relationship. This begins with preparing parents before the birth, ensuring a limited but early parent‐infant contact at delivery, and actively involving the father as well as the mother in the acquaintance process and family‐orientated care in the special care nursery. To this end, an open visiting policy and unrestricted contact between parents and their infants are essential. Providing thoughtful explanations and keeping parents informed at regular intervals are necessary. Communications with parents should be coordinated by parental contact charting and must exhibit compassion and sensitivity. Specific guidance is necessary in preparation for the discharge of the infant. There should be an awareness that parents of outborn or preterm infants, infants with congenital anomalies and infants who died, are under additional stress. Guidelines for working with parents of high‐risk infants should be established for all special care nurseries in order that parent‐infant ties are strengthened and the emotional stability of the family is fostered.