PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe changes in a mother's early internal working model of infant feeding. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this qualitative study, 12 maternal responses to the semi-structured internal working model interview were audio-recorded, once in the neonatal intensive care unit after infants began oral feeding and once 2 weeks post-discharge. Interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. RESULTS: A change between mothers' early and later nipple feeding experiences was identified. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses and other clinicians can help mothers understand the infant's behaviors and focus on the infant's nutritional intake while simultaneously developing a relationship with the infant.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe changes in a mother's early internal working model of infant feeding. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this qualitative study, 12 maternal responses to the semi-structured internal working model interview were audio-recorded, once in the neonatal intensive care unit after infants began oral feeding and once 2 weeks post-discharge. Interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. RESULTS: A change between mothers' early and later nipple feeding experiences was identified. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses and other clinicians can help mothers understand the infant's behaviors and focus on the infant's nutritional intake while simultaneously developing a relationship with the infant.