Maternal Stress in the Organization of the Mother-Baby Attachment in Low Weight Prematures

The birth of a high-risk baby with significant pathology produces a high level of anxiety in the family environment, especially in the mother. This sometimes affects the setting of the appropriate bond which is necessary to take care of the baby both in the physical and psychological levels. As a consequence, families in this situation need psychological support from the moment of birth, as well as a regular monitoring until the situation is finally stabilized. This article describes some elements of maternal stress in mothers who have had high-risk premature babies under 1.500 grams. We also mention vignettes of cases as well as clinical interventions. We propose a model of psychological approach in premature infants and their families that is currently being carried out jointly by the Mental Health Service and the paediatric Ward of the University Hospital in Getafe, Madrid, Spain.