Research Article
The Lived Experience of Mothers Whose Newborns Are Hospitalized with Congenital Anomalies in a Tertiary Hospital in Central Uganda
Joseph Olimporera*,
Karen Drake,
Ketty Holt
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
37-51
Received:
13 November 2025
Accepted:
1 December 2025
Published:
30 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.mls.20260202.11
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Abstract: Background: There is minimal literature in Uganda that describes mothers’ experiences of caring for their hospitalized newborns with congenital anomalies. Mothers who give birth to newborns with congenital anomalies often experience untold stress, worry, and fear of losing their newborns to the anomalies. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of Ugandan mothers’ whose newborns are hospitalized as a result of the congenital anomalies. Method: Descriptive phenomenology by Edmund Husserl, was used to explore and describe the universal nature of the mothers’ lived experience during their newborns’ hospitalization. Nine eligible mothers who had their newborns hospitalized with congenital anomalies were sampled, and a semi structured interview guide was used to probe their experiences. The interviews were audio recorded and later transcribed verbatim for analysis using the Colaizzi method of qualitative data analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged and these were mixed feelings and emotions, healthcare concerns and responsibilities, and participants’ support system and support needs. The sub-themes were feeling shocked, feeling worried, feeling scared, unknown cause of the anomalies, anticipation of blame, financial woes, pregnancy concerns, the load of care giving responsibilities, faith during hospitalization, familial support, peer support and encouragement, relationship with the nurses, and support needs. Conclusion: Hospitalization of newborns with congenital anomalies requires nurses to not only take care of the newborns, but also pay close attention and offer care to their mothers during hospitalization. Nurses were crucial in providing and influencing the care mothers received, to reduce their physical and emotional vulnerability during their newborns’ hospitalization. Recommendations: Policy makers should integrate mental health assessments and support services into the maternal and newborn care units. Nurses should actively involve mothers in the care of their newborns by teaching them how to bathe, feed, and bond with the newborns irrespective of the anomalies. Health professionals should also clarify the medications and treatment plans and share the necessary information about congenital anomalies with the mothers. Nurses should collaborate with other professionals to ensure timely screening of congenital anomalies during antenatal, communicate screening results, establish clear referral pathways, and offer guidance on the appropriate delivery facilities for such high-risk pregnancies.
Abstract: Background: There is minimal literature in Uganda that describes mothers’ experiences of caring for their hospitalized newborns with congenital anomalies. Mothers who give birth to newborns with congenital anomalies often experience untold stress, worry, and fear of losing their newborns to the anomalies. This study aimed to explore the lived exper...
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