Perinatal care experiences among racially and ethnically diverse mothers whose infants required a NICU stay

Objective To learn how diverse mothers whose babies required a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay evaluate their obstetric and neonatal care. Study design We conducted three focus groups stratified by race/ethnicity (Black, Latina, White, and Asian women,n = 20) who delivered infants at Results Predominant themes were similar across groups, including thoroughness and consistency of clinician communication, provider attentiveness, and barriers to closeness with infants. Care experiences were largely positive, but some suggested poorer communication and responsiveness toward Black and Latina mothers. Conclusion Feeling consulted and included in infant care is critical for mothers of high-risk neonates. Further in-depth research is needed to remediate differences in hospital culture and quality that contribute to disparities in neonatal care and outcomes.

Automated summary

Mothers of babies who required a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay had positive evaluations of their obstetric and neonatal care, but some reported poorer communication and responsiveness towards Black and Latina mothers. Feeling consulted and included in infant care is crucial for mothers of high-risk neonates, highlighting the need for further research to address disparities in neonatal care and outcomes caused by differences in hospital culture and quality.