Author(s)

Ndahafa Annashitasia Shiweda, Hans Justus Amukugo

Department of Midwifery Science, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia.

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experience of mothers during the hospitalisation of their low birth weight (LBW) babies in neonatal unit Windhoek Central Hospital, Khomas region, Namibia. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. The data was collected through in-depth interviews conducted at neonatal unit of Windhoek Central Hospital, with the permission from the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS). A sample of ten (10) mothers was selected with the means of purposive sampling. Informed consent was obtained from the participants and interviews were tape recorded, with the permission from the participants. Different communication skills were used to encourage participants to verbalize their experiences. Data was transcribed verbatim and was analyzed according to Tesch’s eight steps of analyzing qualitative data that led to the formation of themes and sub-themes. The study results gave insight into emotional reactions, various supports, challenges experienced by the mothers and also the wishes they expressed. Based on the study finding, the researcher recommended an establishment of a rooming-in space for the mothers, establishment of high care neonatal units in hospitals outside Windhoek, implementation of improved breastfeeding programme, psychosocial care and lastly further research.

Experience, Hospitalisation, Low Birth Weight, Neonatal Unit

Shiweda, N. and Amukugo, H. (2018) The Experiences of Mothers during the Hospitalisation of Their Low Birth Weight Babies in Neonatal Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital Windhoek Khomas Region Namibia. Open Access Library Journal, 5, 1-11. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1104402.