“Oh, who’s the mum?”: a thematic analysis of neonatal experiences of lesbian and queer+ parents

Objective: The aim of the current research was to explore how LGBTQ+ parents experience neonatal units in the United Kingdom and how they feel their own sexual orientation and/or gender identity impacted this experience.

Background: Admission of a baby to a neonatal unit can negatively impact parents’ psychological wellbeing and parents of premature babies are at a higher risk of mental health difficulties. LGBTQ+ parents are more likely to experience discrimination and invalidation in healthcare. Family-centred care can promote respect and affirmation. However, much of the research focuses on cisgender heterosexual parents and there is little guidance for supporting LGBTQ+ families on neonatal units.

Method: Twelve parents were interviewed about their experience of their baby being admitted to a neonatal unit. Although the study aimed to recruit participants from all identities within the LGBTQ+ community, the majority of participants identified as female, and lesbian or queer. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: The findings were separated into two meta-themes based on experiences as parents and experiences specific to lesbian and queer+ parents. The focus of the current paper discusses the themes identified within the meta-theme, ‘experience as lesbian and queer+ parents in a neonatal unit’. Four themes were discussed: ‘real and perceived threats’, ‘adapting to a heteronormative world’, ‘positive experiences’ and ‘actions speak louder than words’.

Conclusion: The current research contributes to an important gap in the literature. Recommendations for clinical practice have been made, including the use of inclusive language and proactive actions.