Background and Aim Danish studies show that premature-mothers develop PTSD symptoms more frequent than the rest of the population. Little research has been conducted on familiy life the first year after birth of a late preterm infant (GW 32–37) and they are discharged to normalcy without extra health care sevices.

Methods A Phd in anthropology is research frame. My one and a half year fieldwork in danish families after birth of a late preterm child consists of participant observation in every day life and interviews. Health care nurse visits are included as well as peer groups of mothers.

Results My preliminary findings show a heavy focus on monitorring child development and health being associated with good parenting. Parenthood is a professionalized and highly moral practice. In spite of an eccesive amount of knowledge on babycare parents experience much uncertainty in the multiple daily choises on sleep, stimulation, contact, food etc. The premature birth as event with hospitalisation and an experience of risk, accentuates the insecurity as it is difficult to make sure wheather or not the child is to be cosidered normal. Peer Groups of mothers are thought to be a place of recognition and sharing, but can negatively cotribute to the stigma of premature families in the process of mutual assesment that is practiced in the groups.

Conclusion The development and health oriented focus in Denmark 2012 has generated a monitoring practice that contributes to parental insecurity and a sense of difference in stead of being empowered.