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ABSTRACT
The study took place in a 10-bed neonatal ward in a hospital in the south of Sweden and includes mothers having given birth to a preterm infant born before the 37th week of gestation. The aim of the study was to illuminate mothers' experiences of breastfeeding a preterm infant in a neonatal ward. Data collection includes written protocols from twelve mothers. These protocols were analysed thematically. The results indicate that the mothers should be offered a private place where they can breastfeed or express breastmilk, and that the breastmilk should not be placed in a shared area. The mothers described that they did not want to be separated from their preterm infant during the night. Finally, they also pointed out the importance of support from the health professionals for establishing an exclusive breastfeeding regime.
Keywords: breastfeeding, experience, mother, preterm infant
INTRODUCTION
Approximately 110,000 babies are born every year in Sweden. Of these, about five percent are born prematurely, which means that the baby is born before the 37th week of gestation (National Swedish Board of Health and Welfare 2009). However, although there has been a significant improvement in neonatal care with more children surviving (Stoelhorst et al 2005), the experience of the premature birth temporarily shatters parents' ideas of their dream child. The initial period with their child turns out to be different from their plans as they have to spend a lot of time with their baby in the neonatal ward (Jackson 2005) trying to attain functional breastfeeding (Flacking et al 2006).
Among the industrialised countries, Sweden has one of the highest durations and rates of breastfeeding (Nyqvist & Kylberg 2000). How mothers of full-term infants experience breastfeeding is discussed in several studies. For example, a metasynthesis done by Nelson (2006) showed that mothers who were able to provide breastmilk for their infants felt very satisfied and needed, while expressing a desire for support from a variety of sources. Dykes and Williams (1999) found that mothers described initial doubts about their ability to breastfeed. Despite these feelings they wanted to try, although it was seen as a challenging journey, especially during the first 6 weeks. During this period some gave up and started with artificial milk. Schmied, Sheehan and Barclay (2001) found...