To be cared for in an intensive care unit (ICU) after a complicated childbirth is often an unplanned and transforming experience, and there is lack of studies describing mothers' experiences of this phenomenon.

The mothers need support and encouragement from the staff throughout their hospital stay, and sometimes afterwards. There is a need to receive information, especially about the baby, and to have one's family close by, when in an ICU despite illness severity. How the new family is met by the staff is of great importance.