Introduction:

the importance of the parent-baby relationship for the baby’s development and for the exercise of parenting is well known, and it is essential to consider the family in the care process. In this sense, this study aimed to understand parental needs in the context of neonatal hospitalization.

Method:

this is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study in which three fathers and seven mothers of babies who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) shortly after their premature birth took part. Data was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, a semi-structured interview and a questionnaire on parental needs in the context of neonatal hospitalization. The results of the questionnaires, analyzed descriptively, were integrated with the content analysis of the interviews.

Results:

parents highlighted physical and structural needs; emotional and support needs; guidance and information needs; and needs related to day-to-day participation in the NICU. A certain discrepancy was identified between the needs presented by the parents and the support offered by the hospitals and their personal network. Discussions and

conclusions:

humanization practices need to be disseminated in the hospital environment in order to contribute to the integration of the family in the care process, favouring the parent-baby relationship.

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