Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the attachment and stress levels of mothers whose babies are hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the variables affecting these levels.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study (n=214) carried out in the NICU of a Training and Research Hospital in the Inner Anatolian Region, data were collected between January 1 and July 30, 2022. Data were collected using the Questionnaire, the NICU-Parental Stress Scale (NICU-PSS) and the Maternal Attachment Scale (MAS). In order to carry out the study, approval of the Ethics Committee, institution, and written approval of mothers' were obtained.

Results: The mean scores of the mothers the NICU-PSS, Images and Sounds, Appearances and Behaviors, Parent Role Changing, and MAS were 117.09±32.11, 16.64±7.73, 59.10±19.10, 41.34±70.43 and 96.85±8.72 points, respectively. The mothers whose babies were connected to mechanical ventilators (MV) had higher scores on the NICU-PSS (p<0.05) and lower the MAS scores (p>0.05). There was a weak positive correlation between mothers' NICU stress and MAS scores.

Conclusion: It is recommended to determine mothers' NICU stress and the factors affecting it, and to examine the effects of stress and coping styles on their attachment to their babies.