Table 6 Parent interview analysis theme 2 and subthemes: participation in care

  Perceived engagement

“When I didn’t know how I massage the baby, they showed me. They care about me and my baby a lot” (P15)

“The nurses taught me how to breastfeed. Thanks to the good care of nurses, my baby is growing stronger” (P4)

“The nurses create all favorable conditions for me to take good care of my baby” (P18)

  Desired involvement

“I want to learn from doctor and nurses to take good care of my baby” (P15)

“It would be great if there is presence of the mom when a baby is being treated, because mom has the breastmilk for baby. If I can get involved in the baby’s treatment, I can somehow help reducing the nurses’ work and my baby not cry so much” (P1)

“I want to do anything I can to make the baby get well soon” (P5)

“I want to be actively involved in treatment for him” (P20)

“The role of the parents is very important. I also need fully updated information and regularly talk with the nurses and doctors on the neonatal unit” (P2)

“I wish to care for my baby myself, it sets my mind at rest” (P6)

  Perceptions of the nursing role

“The nurses here are really doing a good job. They give me much information about the baby’s condition, about when to leave the hospital. At night they come to check the baby an remind me of something if I forget to do while sleeping” (P6)

“The role of the nurse is very important. The nurse gave many advices and methods of taking good care of the baby” (P16)

“The role of the nurse in the care of the baby is very important. The nurse gave many good advice for example the baby should be breastfed entirely, should not be bottle fed and when the baby could not poo 3 days after bottle-feeding, she reminded me frequently and helped the baby to stool. It made her sleep well” (P3)