Preterm infant: maternal experience during breastfeeding in neonatal intensive care unit and after discharge

Abstract

The objective was to identify the perceptions and experiences in relation to maternal care during hospitalization feeding of preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and after discharge. Qualitative approach, exploratory-descriptive, using semi-structured interviews, aimed to address the lived experience of eleven mothers who gave birth to their babies. The interviews were conducted in the homes of mothers, between the months of June and October 2009. Through an analysis and interpretative understanding, the results indicated difficulties inter-subjective communication with professionals and the occurrence of significant early weaning with the introduction of porridge and other foods potentially harmful to the health of preterm infants. It was clear that mothers need to be accommodated in formal advisory groups during and after hospitalization, receiving structured information about feeding practices to establish the most appropriate health care for their children.

Dúvidas maternas no cuidado domiciliar ao recém-nascido prematuro: uma revisão integrativa

“…Com relação aos principais resultados, verificou-se que todos os artigos destacaram as principais dúvidas ou necessidades de orientação que as mães de recém-nascidos prematuros tiveram ao chegar em casa após a alta hospitalar. Estas foram referentes a: amamentação (21,(23)(24)26,(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(38)(39) , cuidados de higiene (22,25,31,33,(38)(39) , banho de sol (19) , cólica do bebê (19,32) , identificação de sinais, sintomas ou alterações clínicas (20)(21)(22)25,29,(33)(34)(35)38) , controle da temperatura (32,35) e continuidade do método canguru no domicílio (32,36) .…”

“…As vivências maternas na primeira semana de cuidados no domicílio, após a alta hospitalar do recém-nascido prematuro, foram marcadas por demandas sobre banho, sinais de adoecimento e outras informações que não foram fornecidas pelos profissionais na hora da alta. VI Prematuro: Experiência materna durante amamentação em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal e pós-alta (23) 2013 Brasil…”

Maternal Concerns in Home Care for the Premature Newborn: An Integrative Review

“…The child’s transition from the hospital to home can be fraught with anticipation and anxiety for the parents. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare professionals to provide support to ensure parents feel secure and prepared to continue caring for their premature child at home ( 23 , 31 - 32 ) .…”

“…Although some care instructions and demonstrations by professionals during hospitalization might seem straightforward, they can become challenging when implemented at home. This can make mothers and/or family members feel unprepared ( 26 , 28 , 30 ) , leading them to seek information from friends, relatives ( 29 , 32 ) , manuals ( 19 ) , or even online ( 23 ) .…”

“…It’s worth noting that this care, previously carried out by a professional with the assistance of a caregiver, now falls solely on the family members ( 11 , 19 , 26 , 29 , 34 , 37 ) . Added to this insecurity, mothers might experience feelings of apprehension or concern about their child’s health, mainly for fear that prematurity may result in lasting effects, increasing the risk of illness, rehospitalization, or even death under their care ( 20 , 23 - 24 , 28 , 32 ) .…”