Abstract
This research presentation examines the experiences of loss and emotionality of the non-birthing parents in NICUs, where most of the conventional support structures address themselves to birthing parents. Using a phenomenological research method of semi-structured interviews and applying thematic analysis, this research gathers the motivational and granular experiences of the non-birthing parents, who are often left emotionally drained and encouraged to suppress their emotions for the birthing partner. Best practices are called for that emphasize emotionally supportive programs and services that recognize all parents as individuals who may need help coping with the demands of parenting. According to the study, the NICU should adopt specific emotional examination procedures and specific grievance services for families. Measures such as these would also not only assist non-birthing parents, but also help create an improved NICU environment that promotes physical, emotional, and social health for all family members. This research brings new insight to parental care literature by focusing on the fairness dimension, especially in contexts characterized by high stress like healthcare facilities.
Notes
Reference list included at end of slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Alpha Alpha Xi
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Case Study/Series
Research Approach
Pilot/Exploratory Study
Keywords:
Non-birthing Parent Experience, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, NICU, Family Well-being
Recommended Citation
Bautista, Ron Ryan, "Who Cares for the Forgotten Parent? The Overlooked Grief of Non-Birthing Parents in the NICU" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 51.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/51
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-11-19
Who Cares for the Forgotten Parent? The Overlooked Grief of Non-Birthing Parents in the NICU
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
This research presentation examines the experiences of loss and emotionality of the non-birthing parents in NICUs, where most of the conventional support structures address themselves to birthing parents. Using a phenomenological research method of semi-structured interviews and applying thematic analysis, this research gathers the motivational and granular experiences of the non-birthing parents, who are often left emotionally drained and encouraged to suppress their emotions for the birthing partner. Best practices are called for that emphasize emotionally supportive programs and services that recognize all parents as individuals who may need help coping with the demands of parenting. According to the study, the NICU should adopt specific emotional examination procedures and specific grievance services for families. Measures such as these would also not only assist non-birthing parents, but also help create an improved NICU environment that promotes physical, emotional, and social health for all family members. This research brings new insight to parental care literature by focusing on the fairness dimension, especially in contexts characterized by high stress like healthcare facilities.
Description
Through a phenomenological approach, this research highlights the unique emotional experiences of non-birthing parents in NICUs, where traditional support largely focuses on birthing parents. By analyzing semi-structured interviews, the study calls for best practices in NICU settings to provide dedicated emotional support for all parents, fostering an inclusive environment that addresses the needs of non-birthing parents and promotes family well-being.