Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine mother-infant attachment of mothers with premature infants and the factors affecting attachment. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and analytical study was conducted with 218 mothers with premature infants who came to the neonatal outpatient clinic of a university hospital. The data of the study were collected by face-to-face data collection method using “Data Collection Form” and “Maternal Attachment Scale”. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between maternal age and perceived economic level of mothers participating in the study and Maternal Attachment Scale (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the delivery type and feeding style of the baby and Maternal Attachment Scale (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a positive correlation between the gestational weeks of the babies and Maternal Attachment Scale, and a negative correlation with the length of stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was observed that maternal attachment increased positively as the gestational week of the newborns and the length of stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit decreased. In order to ensure a secure attachment, the mother should see her baby as soon as possible and visit it frequently. Nurses and midwives should support and encourage mothers to hold their babies, breastfeed and participate in their care.

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