Exploring the Psychological Challenges and Coping Strategies among Postnatal Mothers with Babies Admitted to a Nursery Neonatal Unit in Malawi

Background: The experience of having a newborn baby in a high-dependent neonatal unit can be stressful and overwhelming for mothers, causing an interrupted development of a healthy parent-infant attachment and parental role alteration. Our study aimed to explore the psychological challenges and coping strategies among postnatal mothers with babies admitted to a nursery neonatal unit. Methodology: We employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive exploratory sampling design. As determined by data saturation, 10 post-natal mothers were selected using a purposive sampling strategy. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data. A thematic analysis was performed to analyse the qualitative data collected. Ethical approval was sought, and participant rights were considered. Results: Participants ranged in age from 21 to 41 years and all were married; their newborns were admitted to hospital for periods ranging from seven to 49 days. The admitted babies were suffering from respiratory distress syndrome, prematurity, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, severe pneumonia, and necrotising enterocolitis. The psychological challenges of mothers were anxiety, emotional stress, lack of a support system, and feelings of isolation, guilt, and self-blame. The coping strategies utilised were healthcare support, peer support groups, past experiences, prayers, improvements in the baby’s health, and acceptance. Conclusions: The mothers’ experience of caring for babies admitted in neonatal nursery units triggered the emotional turmoil, thus affecting their psychological well-being. While mothers utilise a variety of coping strategies that promote maternal involvement and self-care, it is important for healthcare professionals to integrate mental healthcare services into maternity care.