Hospitalization of newborns in neonatal intensive care units for any reason is a source of stress and anxiety for families. This condition interrupts the development of aptitude of both the family and the infant. Factors related to the birth and intensive care environment and the newborn’s physical vulnerability and immaturity may be the responsible factors. Experiences that families gain during their baby’s hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit may influence them either positively or negatively. In this review, we aimed to discuss the influences of hospitalization in a neonatal intensive care unit on families and newborns and the relationship between them in an effort to help professionals better recognize these conditions and assist the families.

Keywords: aile, kırılgan çocuk sendromu, maternal depresyon, prematüre, yenidoğan yoğun bakım ünitesi, family, vulnerable child syndrome, maternal depression, premature, neonatal intensive care unit