Introduction

Maternal attachment is the set of behaviors and links established around to the mother and the newborn. Admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a barrier in establishing these early ties.

Objective

The main objective of this study is compare the degree of maternal attachment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and it identify the variables that could influence on his establishment.

Material and methods

82 mothers, divided into two groups, participated in this causal comparative study by carry out the questionnaire Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI), the interview and review of medical history.

Results

There are significant differences in MAI scores between mothers of Obstetrics Group (99'67) and NICU Group (91'64). Gestational age and feeding are influential factors.

Discussion and conclusion

Separation hinders the establishment of the first maternal ties. It is necessary to assess the factors that influence in this situation and it plan future interventions to improve maternal-child relationship.