The motivation and the real experience of mothers with the first direct breast-feeding in the hospital for preterm infants: a qualitative research

Objective To explore the experience of mothers who provide the first direct breast-feeding for preterm infants in hospital. Methods Using qualitative phenomenological research methods, eleven mothers who provided the first direct breast-feeding for preterm infants in hospital participated in semi-structured interviews. Results Four themes were concluded: the motivation of direct breast feeding in hospital, the lack of experience in breastfeeding, the psychological experience of breastfeeding, and the breast feeding health guidance for premature infants in the hospital expected by mothers. Conclusions Mothers who provide premature infants the first direct breast-feeding in hospital were facing many problems ,there is an urgent need to develop the hospital health guidance , to provide effective social support, helping them transit to direct breastfeeding smoothly and safely after discharge. Key words: Preterm infant; Direct breast-feeding; Qualitative research