Overview:
Parents' experiences in neonatal units are profoundly shaped by the concept of family- centered care (FCC). This approach recognizes the importance of involving parents as active partners in their infant's care. In neonatal units, it means creating an environment where parents feel supported, informed, and empowered to participate in decision-making and caregiving.While its benefits are well documented, the extent to which FCC is practiced often depends on the perceptions and attitudes of frontline staff, particularly midwives.

Aims and Objectives:
This study explores how neonatal midwives perceive and experience their role in supporting FCC, shedding light on the enablers and barriers within everyday practice.

Method:
A qualitative research design was used, employing in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 neonatal midwives. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. The aim was to identify recurring patterns and underlying beliefs shaping midwives’ interactions with families in the context of neonatal care.

Results:
Four key themes emerged from the data: 1. “I can’t trust the parents to provide care” – Midwives expressed concerns about the safety and capability of parents, often resulting in reluctance to share caregiving responsibilities. 2. “It is my responsibility” – Many participants viewed neonatal care as their sole professional duty, leading to overprotectiveness and limited parental engagement. 3. Recognizing the importance of mothers’ presence – Despite hesitations, midwives acknowledged the emotional and developmental significance of maternal involvement in neonatal care. 4. Unwillingness to change practice – Resistance to altering familiar routines and skepticism toward new models of care were cited as barriers to adopting FCC more fully.

Conclusion:
Practice Implications: The findings highlight a tension between traditional midwifery roles and the collaborative philosophy of FCC. To bridge this gap, there is a need for targeted education that addresses trust-building with parents, supports role redefinition, and fosters a unit culture more receptive to shared caregiving. Encouraging reflective practice and institutional support can help midwives move toward more inclusive, family-centered models of care.