Mothers' Experiences with Hands-On Breastfeeding Support in NICU
Author Information
Author(s): Lena Weimers, Kristin Svensson, Louise Dumas, Lars Navér, Vivian Wahlberg
Primary Institution: Karolinska University Hospital
Hypothesis
How do mothers experience support by nursing staff in breastfeeding situations while their baby is in the NICU?
Conclusion
Most mothers found the hands-on help with breastfeeding in the NICU to be unpleasant and not helpful, highlighting the need for better communication and alternative support methods.
Supporting Evidence
- Mothers felt their integrity was violated by unexpected hands-on help.
- Most mothers expressed a need for assistance but preferred alternatives to hands-on support.
- Eight out of ten mothers reported feeling annoyed by the hands-on approach.
Takeaway
Moms in the NICU felt uncomfortable when nurses touched them to help with breastfeeding, and they wanted more explanations and different ways to get help.
Methodology
In-depth interviews were conducted with ten mothers who experienced hands-on breastfeeding support in a NICU.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in mothers' responses due to their emotional state and dependence on nursing staff.
Limitations
The study only included mothers who understood Swedish and did not explore the perspectives of nursing staff.
Participant Demographics
Mothers aged 26 to 35, with a mix of multiparas and primiparas, including eight Swedish and two mothers of other ethnic backgrounds.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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