Understanding the Domains of Experiences of Black Mothers with Preterm Infants in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review

Objective To report the domains of Black mothers' experiences with preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and to determine the frameworks used. Methods A systematic review of the literature using the PRISMA guideline was performed. An electronic database search of published literature between 2000 and 2022 was conducted based on predetermined search terms and parameters. Results Twenty-seven articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eleven articles focused on feeding practices, ten reported on nursing/maternal care experiences, five reported mental health/social support, and only one focused on mother-infant relationships. Only five papers reported using any frameworks, comprising grounded theory framework (n = 2), theory of planned behavior (n = 1), research justice framework (n =1), and the patient and public engagement protocol (n =1). Discussion A holistic approach to understanding the multifactorial experiences of Black mothers with preterm infants needs to be socio-culturally competent to ensure their diverse intersections and identities are accurately represented and understood. Rigorous research at the intersection of Black maternal health and the NICU hold promises for advancing maternal health equity in the United States.