The psychological stress of restricted visitation for mothers of premature infants in NICU during the epidemic

Globally, the pandemic has cast a daunting shadow over the healthcare system, bringing unprecedented pressures and challenges. To ensure the safety of patients and healthcare personnel, many hospitals have adopted stringent measures, such as limiting or entirely prohibiting visits, to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.

However, in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), a specialised environment typically catering to preterm infants or those with special medical needs, the role of healthcare professionals is undeniably significant. Still, the role of parents is equally paramount. For parents, providing support and care for their children is at the core of their role. Yet, visitation restrictions can hinder parents from forming close relationships with their newborns and may also have adverse effects on the psychological well-being of parents.