Mother’s and father’s perceived experiences of breastfeeding a preterm infant in a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Introduction

A premature birth involves stress derived from the context of the NICU where the baby is cared for. In addition, the separation between mother and father/couple and child involves an interruption of the biological process of breastfeeding. The experiences lived in this process between mother and father/couple are unequal, which entails different care needs to be covered by the health professional through informative and educational activities.

Objective

To explore the experiences of mothers and fathers/couple breastfeeding PTNB during their stay in the NICU.

Design and methods

A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out. The population studied were mothers and fathers/couple of PTNB in a neonatal unit who were breastfeeding. Using purposive convenience sampling and the principle of information saturation, the participants were 5 mothers and 4 fathers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and organised into the following thematic areas: knowledge, environment, feelings, coping strategies and challenges.

Results

The mothers' and fathers'/couples’ experiences are grouped into four themes: previous lack of knowledge about the breastfeeding process, BF as a personal challenge, barriers and facilitators during the process of breastfeeding a PTNB, and the feelings of the families.

Conclusions

From the perceptions and feelings reported by breastfeeding mothers and fathers/couples of PTNB, changes can be made to improve nursing care in the NICU. Improving early expressing within the first hour, developing specific protocols for breastfeeding in PTNB and updated training for nursing staff are aspects that emerge from the study and could help to priorities and meet the expressed needs for breastfeeding support in the NICU.