Table 5 Mean stress scores of each component of PSS: NICU scale

The presence of monitors and equipment

120

1.32

0.52

The constant noises of monitors and equipment

120

1.63

0.83

The sudden noises of monitors and alarms

120

2.09

1.41

The other sick babies in the room

120

2.30

0.57

The large number of people working in the unit

120

1.78

0.61

Having a machine breathe for my baby

120

1.91

1.32

Tubes and equipment on or near my baby

120

3.45

0.56

Seeing needles and tubes put in my baby

120

3.93

0.51

The unusual colour of my baby

120

3.14

0.99

The small size of my baby

120

2.91

1.16

The wrinkled appearance of my baby

120

3.03

1.03

The baby being fed by an intravenous line or tube

120

4.18

0.67

The limp and weak appearance of my baby

120

3.41

0.60

My baby not being able to cry like other babies

120

2.64

1.30

Jerky or restless movements of my baby

120

2.09

1.33

Seeing my baby in pain

120

4.14

0.52

Seeing my baby looking sick

120

4.36

0.53

Being separated from my baby

120

4.43

0.57

Not feeding my baby myself

120

4.29

0.65

Not being able to care for my baby myself

120

4.07

0.68

Not being able to hold my baby when I want

120

4.18

0.64

Feeling helpless and unable to protect my baby from pain and painful procedures

120

3.92

0.75

Feeling helpless about how to help my baby during this time

120

4.23

0.74

Not having time to be alone with my baby

120

4.18

0.75

Sometimes forgetting what my baby looks like

120

4.33

0.57

Not being able to share my baby with other family members

120

3.98

0.70

Feeling staff is closer to my baby than I am

120

4.39

0.60