Abstract
Objective:
To comprehend the experiences of mothers of preterm newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit regarding the maintenance of the lactation.
Methods:
This is a phenomenological approach study, of qualitative nature, grounded on the theoretical-philosophical-methodological benchmark of Martin Heidegger. It was developed with seven mothers, through phenomenological interviews, in the period from December 2010 to May 2011.
Results:
Mothers deal with the maintenance of lactation and fear for the health of their babies and for the end of milk reserves. They present themselves as 'the being of the relationship' when she places the child on the breast. She gets involved with the dual routine that includes hospital and home duties.
Conclusion:
Breastfeeding the infant on the chest in the neonatal unit enhances the bond and enables the mother to exit the mode of occupation with the maintenance of the lactation to establish her relationship with the child.
Keywords:
Mothers; Infant, Premature; Neonatal Intensive Care Units; Hospitalization; Nursing