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Aim: Few studies have examined the parents of moderately preterm children. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of parents of both extremely and moderately preterm children. 

Methods: Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted in 2013-2014 with 13 mothers and 10 fathers of extremely preterm children and with 11 mothers and seven fathers of moderately preterm children. The children were born between 2000 and 2003. Data were analysed with a narrative approach. 

Results: Parents of extremely preterm children recounted dramatic birth stories that, for most, ended positively. Parents of moderately preterm children presented more neutral birth stories, and most recounted that their children did not receive attention for prematurity from medical staff. Parents from both groups described staff mem-bers’ treatment in terms of long-lasting impressions, and they were deeply affected by the hospital environment and the other parents and children admitted. Parents whose children died or were disabled recounted dramatic stories and endless fights for support. 

Conclusion: Parents from both groups reported long-lasting impressions of the medi-cal staff and the hospital environment, which they found important to talk about, even a decade after the birth of their child/children.