Understanding the Emotional and Psychological Impact of Parental Stress in the NICU.

The NICU imposes numerous stressors on parents, including infant separation, role uncertainty, and communication barriers, often resulting in emotional and psychological consequences. This stress, if unaddressed, contributes to postpartum depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, affecting parent–infant bonding. Social determinants, including socioeconomic status, race, and health literacy, further influence parental experiences in the NICU. To mitigate these challenges, health care providers should incorporate trauma-informed care and supportive communication, empowering parents to navigate the NICU with resilience. Ultimately, a holistic, family-centered approach is essential to address the multifaceted nature of NICU-related stress, promoting positive outcomes for parents and infants.