Expecting a healthy baby and then being confronted with a preterm neonate admitted to a new born unit requires adaptation to a frightening and stressful situation. The experience for most mothers of premature babies is like a roller coaster ride; feelings of sadness, regret, anger, powerlessness, guilt and anxiety. Unmet needs may precipitate psychological, social, physical and financial strain in the family. Identifying the experiences and needs of mothers with premature neonates will help improve the quality of health care. The goal was to assess the experiences and unmet needs of mothers with a preterm neonate in the new born unit of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya. The findings of the study demonstrated the existence of most crucial needs that mothers require when their baby is admitted. The three categories that emerged included emotional experiences, informational needs and supportive care needs.In conclusion, the aggressive management that focuses only on the baby should be directed to the mother whose needs are as equally important as their babys. All they need is a little understanding, a little love and much support from staff.

Tecla obtained her masters degree in Maternal and Neonatal Health at Moi University in 2011. She is a nurse manager at the Clinical Audit and Nursing Research at MTRH in Eldoret, Kenya. An expert in planning and executing evidence based practices that promote the health of women, children & entire family. A proud mother of Brian, Chemu & Kiprop