supporting-emotional needs of iranian parents with premature infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units

background: having an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (nicu) is a stressful and painful experience. unlike to normal births, this birth is associated with admission and separation of infant from parents. the aim of this study was to compile the supporting-emotional needs of iranian parents who have a premature infant admitted in (nicu). methods: this study was performed using qualitative research approach. twelve participants including 9 parents whose infant had been hospitalized in nicu two nurses and one physician were also selected for sampling purposes. data were gathered using semi-structured interview. data were analyzed by inductive content analysis approach. results: four subcategories emerged from data analysis expressed supporting-emotional needs of parents of premature infants admitted in nicu. these subcategories were: need for interaction with infant, need to medical team’s empathy, need to exchange support with spouse, and need to get help from others. conclusion: in order to develop mutual bonding with infant and attain parental roles, parents need to be close their neonate, also receive empathy and support to find a way to meet their needs. participants in this study announced that resolving these needs can help parents to feel more confidence in infant's care and reduce their negative feelings.