Mother-child separation in critical care: emotional implications, impact on the bond and intervention strategies

Introduction: the hospitalization of a premature baby is the cause of stress for many mothers, affecting the mother-child bond, producing emotional changes in the mother and, on the other hand, the presence of complications in the neonate’s health status. The general objective is to analyze the available literature on the effects on the health of the mother, the newborn and the family when separation occurs. Method: a literature review was carried out under a qualitative approach and descriptive design in DIALNET, SCOPUS, SciELO, Science Direct, PubMed and LATINDEX databases, using search terms such as: mother-child separation, experiences, critical care, implications; with Boolean operators “and” and “or”. The selection of articles was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, leaving a final sample of 30 original articles. Results: separation of the mother-infant dyad in critical care poses risks to the neonate, ranging from poor neuropsychological development to extension of care. A negative pattern is observed in the psychological health of the mother manifested by negative emotions, reaching a point where both become emotionally and functionally disengaged. Methods have been developed to lessen the effects of these problems and improve both the quality of life of the newborn during their stay and the mother-child bond. Conclusions: it is crucial the support of health personnel, with programs and workshops that involve the mother in the care of the baby, helping to a better development and clinical evolution of the newborn.