[The child at the neonatal intensive care unit: the impact of the mother's first visit]. / A criança na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal: impacto da primeira visita da mãe.

This study aimed to establish the impact the first visit to a child hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit have on the moher. This is a qualitative research conducted in a University Hospital from August to November, 2009. Semistructured interviews were conducted with ten mothers. Through thematic analysis we found that: the first visit is striking because the unit is known as a place for the care of critically ill patients; the existing technology causes stress; and that entering at the unit unattended and receiving little information about the child may hinder the mother's presence in the unit and make the visit frightening, leading to mixed feelings. They suggest the need to prepare the mothers to enter the sector through the provision of simple informations that can reduce their anxiety and fear. It is necessary that mothers be supported by the healthcare staff during the visit, strengthening their emotional link with their children.