Post-Discharge Feeding Challenges among Mothers with Preterm Infants at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the post-discharge feeding challenges among mothers‟ of preterm infants. A qualitative design was employed in the study. A purposive sampling method was used to select nine participants at the Paediatric/Child Health out-patients department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. An interview guide was used to understand the post- discharge feeding challenges each mother and their preterm infants encounter after discharge. Participants were interviewed between Thirty to forty-five (30 - 45) minutes using a semi structured interview guide. Data were content analyzed and themes were generated. The main findings suggest that though mothers‟ of preterm infants were noted to have fairly adequate knowledge on feeding and care after discharge, they continued to have feeding challenges such as lactation problems, and inability to identify hunger and satiety clues. Their preterm infants also continued to have challenges with sucking, staying awake to feed, vomiting after feeding, and weight loss after discharge. In conclusion, Mothers of preterm infants were found to require a more individualized approach to their child’s specific needs and their own concerns. There is also a need for early follow up and support from health care personnel after discharge.