The struggles of breastfeeding mothers of preterm infants: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Breast milk, with its rich bioactive components and numerous maternal and infant health benefits, is globally recommended as the ideal food for babies, especially premature infants. With the elevated incidence of premature births, suboptimal breastfeeding rates are detrimental, especially considering numerous efforts to promote breastfeeding. The reasons for breastfeeding cessation remain unclear. This study utilizes the social-ecological system theory to explore reasons for the cessation of breastfeeding among mothers of premature infants in China.

Methods

An interpretive phenomenological research design was implemented in Wuhan. Through purposive sampling, 14 mothers of premature infants who had discontinued breastfeeding were recruited in Wuhan, China. Semi-str

SUBMITTER: Chen L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12020087 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature