Abi Fa'izzarahman Prabawa, Eni Rindi Antika, Kikis Setyawati, Lilik Sriyanti
This letter responds to recent qualitative findings on the transition experiences of Black Canadian parents caring for preterm infants after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. While existing research has highlighted caregiving burden, mental health challenges, and gaps in follow-up care, less attention has been given to internal psychological resources that support parental wellbeing when external support is limited. This letter proposes self-compassion and gratitude as complementary mechanisms that may buffer psychological distress during the transition from hospital to home. Drawing on evidence from caregiving and perinatal contexts, the discussion highlights the relevance of these constructs for emotional regulation, coping with uncertainty, and sustaining caregiving capacity. The letter further outlines implications for neonatal nursing practice, emphasizing the integration of self-compassion and gratitude within family-centered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed discharge education and follow-up care. Incorporating these approaches may strengthen nursing-led strategies to support parents during the critical post-discharge period. © 2026 Neonatal Nurses Association.
Islamic Education Guidance and Counseling Study Program, Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Salatiga, Indonesia; Guidance and Counseling Study Program, Faculty of Science Education and Psychology, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia; Prima Husada Hospital, Indonesia; Islamic Education Guidance and Counseling Study Program, Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Salatiga, Indonesia
