Fears, Reassurance, and Milestones: A Twitter Analysis around World Prematurity Day during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Kathy McKay, Elizabeth O’Nions, Sarah Wayland, David Ferguson and Eilis Kennedy
Additional contact information
Kathy McKay: Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK
Elizabeth O’Nions: Research Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University of College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Sarah Wayland: School of Health, University of New England, Armidale 2350, Australia
David Ferguson: Formerly, Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia
Eilis Kennedy: Research and Development Unit, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 5BA, UK

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-11

Abstract: Preterm birth (birth <37 completed weeks’ gestation) is common, affecting 10.6% of live births globally (nearly 15 million babies per year). Having a new baby admitted to a neonatal unit often triggers stress and anxiety for parents. This paper seeks to explore experiences of preterm birth via Twitter. The intermingling of COVID-19 restrictions and World Prematurity Day allows for an understanding of both the additional stresses incurred as a consequence of the pandemic and the more “everyday” experiences in the NICU and beyond. The content analysis of the data included 3161 tweets. Three themes were identified: 1. COVID-19 was not the only trauma; 2. Raising awareness, especially World Prematurity Day; and, 3. Baby milestones. These themes highlight the multi-level challenges faced by parents of premature babies and the healthcare professionals involved in their care. The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent restrictions imposed on parents’ contact with their babies have resulted in immense emotional strain for families. The reported COVID-19 pandemic “baby blind spot” appears to particularly impact this group of babies. Improved understanding of the lived experiences of preterm babies and their families should inform greater awareness and improved support.

Keywords: premature birth; preterm birth; NICU; maternal mental health; paternal mental health; child development; COVID-19; Twitter (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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