OBJECTIVE: To analyze maternal care for siblings of preterm babies hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. METHOD: Qualitative research using symbolic interactionism as a theoretical reference and narrative research as a methodological reference. Ten mothers were surveyed through semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Three thematic units emerged from the analysis of data: "social support in the sharing of child care"; "promotion of adaptation to the arrival of a sibling" and "maternal feelings and coping". FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Care for the premature child's sibling is developed under mothers' physical distance from him/her, justified by the need to remain close to the premature child due to risks and fragility related to the condition.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze maternal care for siblings of preterm babies hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. METHOD: Qualitative research using symbolic interactionism as a theoretical reference and narrative research as a methodological reference. Ten mothers were surveyed through semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Three thematic units emerged from the analysis of data: "social support in the sharing of child care"; "promotion of adaptation to the arrival of a sibling" and "maternal feelings and coping". FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Care for the premature child's sibling is developed under mothers' physical distance from him/her, justified by the need to remain close to the premature child due to risks and fragility related to the condition.