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

Howes, Abby, Budd, Bob ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4272-0312 and Norton, Elisabeth (2026) “Oh, who’s the mum?”: a thematic analysis of neonatal experiences of lesbian and queer+ parents. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 44 (4). p. 973. ISSN 0264-6838

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	neonatal,lgbtq+,parent,qualitative,thematic analysis,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	19 Aug 2026 11:43
Last Modified:	23 Aug 2026 23:02
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/104239
DOI:	0.1080/02646838.2026.2644328

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