Social support of mothers of newborns hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: an integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: The provision of care and multidimensional support of mothers of newborns hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is relevant, as it is a time of great needs and affectations for postpartum women. Social support becomes an essential element in the development of humanized care throughout the health and disease process to strengthen coping with hospital routine and the adversities caused by the illness of the newborn.

Objective: To investigate the social support perceived by mothers of babies hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Material and Methods: The present study is an integrative review, using the online databases: Scielo, Web of science, PubMed and Scopus.

Results: After applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 18 articles were analyzed, later they were classified into five categories: family and peer support; mental health and social support; health care professionals support; breastfeeding support; and mother-baby support and bonding.

Conclusions: the perceived social support influences positively in the most different aspects. Thus, when it is appropriate for the situation experienced, it is an important strategy for a healthier coping with hospitalization.