HUMANIZATION OF NURSING CARE FOR THE MOTHER AND NEWBORN IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU)

Abstract

The humanization of nursing care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is essential for promoting comprehensive care that addresses both the clinical and emotional needs of the newborn and their family. This study highlights how humanized care fosters a welcoming and secure environment, crucial for the newborn's clinical stability and emotional development. Practices such as the kangaroo method and parental involvement in neonatal care are strategies that strengthen the emotional bond and contribute to more effective recovery, while also reducing stress and anxiety for both parents and newborns. Active family participation also provides essential psychological support, facilitating adaptation to the hospital environment and improving the hospitalization experience. However, implementing humanized practices in the NICU faces challenges, including the need for adequate infrastructure, specialized training for healthcare professionals, and effective communication with families. By analyzing these aspects, this study seeks to provide a theoretical foundation to encourage the adoption of family-centered care that prioritizes the newborn’s well-being, creating a model of care that emphasizes human aspects within neonatal recovery processes.