A Psychospiritual,Family-Centered Theory of Care for Mothers in the NICU

Abstract

Weighing less than three pounds four ounces, very low birthweight infants account for 1.4% of births and 46% of infant deaths in the U.S. Mothers of these infants often endure significant suffering while witnessing their children struggle for life. By examining their psychological and theological needs, and drawing on a mother's lived experience, this article develops a psychospiritual, family-centered theory of care to aid chaplains in providing spiritual care to mothers in the NICU.

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