Prematures mothers’ experience in the process of translactation

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the meaning that mothers of premature attributed to their experience with the use of the technique of translactation. A qualitative study, which interviewed five mothers of premature infants less than 32 weeks gestation and / or less than 1,500 grams, six months after discharge from the hospital, in the period of collection from July to September 2011. These mothers participated in the integrated project "A support network to premature family". The inclusion criteria: mothers of premature infants admitted to the neonatal unit; that during the hospitalization of their baby, performed the technique of translactation, and their babies were discharged from the hospital for at least six months at the time of data collection and articipation in the project. Exclusion criteria were being younger than 18 years and not residing in Londrina. Two categories emerged: Breast milk to premature: essential for healthy growth and development and Translactation as a resource for successful breastfeeding. The analysis method used was the theme proposed by Bardin. The translactation proved to be a good strategy to promote breastfeeding. A health service prepared with multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary support for the management and encouragement of breastfeeding during hospitalization in neonatal care unit is required.