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