Spies, CynthiaNtuli, Matshediso Julia2024-07-132024-07-132022http://hdl.handle.net/11660/12653Dissertation (M.Sc.(Nursing))--University of the Free State, 2022The lived experiences of mothers who must make use of lodging residences while their sick babies have been admitted to a neonatal care unit (NCU) is understudied. The challenges that these mothers face daily is not well documented. To explore and understand the phenomenon of lodging at a public hospital in South Africa, this study focused on mothers and their experiences while waiting for the recovery of their babies. The research question to be answered was: What are the lived experiences of mothers lodging at a public hospital while their babies have been admitted to an NCU? Since little is understood about lodging and its challenges, the researcher selected a qualitative approach through which data could be obtained from participants who had first-hand experience of lodging. A sample of 13 mothers participated in the study. The research phenomenon was investigated using data obtained from in-depth individual interviews. The findings of the study included five categories with relevant subcategories. The five major categories were: lodging environment, emotional experiences, nursing care of babies, interaction with staff, and participant perspectives. From the data, it was inferred that participants experienced many challenges and multiple causes of stress during the lodging period and that they were not well supported by the service providers. In terms of recommendations, the institution providing the lodging should commit to developing support programmes and policies for mothers who must endure being away from family and social support structures. Extended research into the phenomenon of lodging mothers might lead to the development of a unique institutional approach that will ensure a stay as pleasant and supportive as possible. In turn, satisfied mothers and supportive staff relations may reflect positively on the well-being and health outcomes of the babies.enLodging motherslived experienceslodging residenceneonatal care unitpublic hospitalDissertationUniversity of the Free State