A guided feeding intervention for mothers of preterm infants: two case studies.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine how mothers of preterm infants perceive the feasibility and acceptability of a guided feeding intervention.

Design and methods: In this multiple case study design, feasibility was assessed by retention of participants through all intervention sessions. Acceptability was assessed with a semi-structured interview.

Results: Participants found the intervention useful for demonstrating and explaining behaviors that facilitate feeding, and helpful in dispelling previous, erroneous understandings about infant behaviors.

Practice implications: The results are encouraging. The intervention was found to be both feasible and acceptable. The effectiveness of this intervention needs to be assessed in a randomized controlled trial.