Mödrars upplevelser av att amma det för tidigt födda barnet på en neonatalavdelning
En litteraturstudie
Background: About five percent of the infants being born in Sweden are cared for in a neonatal unit because of their prematurity. Breastfeeding and breast milk is considered to be the best nutrition for infants in general and for premature infants in particular. The premature infant, depending on how premature, may not be able to breastfeed effectively due to their immaturity. Stress, anxiety and fatigue are factors that affect breast milk production in a negative direction and these feelings are common in the neonatal unit.Aim: To illuminate mothers? experiences of breastfeeding the premature infant in the neonatal unit.Method: A literature review of eight studies with a qualitative research approach, published between the year 2000 and 2012 was conducted. The studies have been analysed through a content analysis.Result: The findings showed that mothers perceived breastfeeding as a marker of motherhood and they felt guilt and began to question themselves as good mothers if it did not work. The mothers experienced lack of understanding, from the staff, concerning difficulties with breastfeeding, moreover the nurses where the ones who decided when and for how long the mothers should breastfeed. It also appeared that excessively focus on breastfeeding and breast milk by the staff resulted in objectification and the mothers would rather see breastfeeding as a natural process. Some mothers felt support and encouragement from the staff, while some mothers felt that the staff was constant present, which resulted in insecurity.Conclusion: Breastfeeding support for mothers of premature infants during their hospital stay is not satisfying and nurses? actions have a major impact on mothers? experiences. Therefore, nurses need to pay attention to mother?s individual needs of support and be aware of how her actions affect the mothers. Nurses also need to strength the mothers in their parent role so that they believe in their own ability to make breastfeeding work.