| dc.description.abstract | Extensive research has been done investigating the benefits breastfeeding provides for both the baby and the mother and there is enough evidence to encourage mothers to breastfeed if possible for at least six months. Much less is known about the mother's experience with breastfeeding in general and in specific situations, like in the NICU. The studies previously completed on barriers to breastfeeding in the NICU have identified several barriers that mothers trying to breastfeed may face (Boucher, Brazal, Graham-Certosini, Carnaghan-Sherrard, & Feeley, 2011; Callen, Pinelli, Atkinson, & Saigal, 2005; Myers & Rubarth, 2013). There have also been several tools developed measuring the experience, self-confidence, and motivation of mothers trying to breastfeed (Cleveland & McCrone, 2005; Leff, Jefferis, & Gagne, 1994; Wheeler & Dennis, 2012). There has yet to be a tool developed to measure specific barriers faced by breastfeeding mothers in the NICU, which is what this study aims to accomplish. This literature review is the first step in developing a tool that can measure the barriers to breastfeeding in mothers with an infant in the NICU. The tool was developed using a pilot study that included cognitive interviewing and will be followed by a larger study including 380 participants. The tool's psychometric properties will be analyzed and the predictive validity of the measure will be evaluated by the feeding method used at discharge. With success, this tool can be used widely to help eliminate barriers for mothers globally. | |
