Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42243773›Full record

ArticleBMC pregnancy and childbirth2026

Breastfeeding support experiences of mothers of preterm infants in China: a qualitative study.

Shui-Xiu Huang, Yu Zhao, Xiao-Juan Wang, Long Huang, Wei Zhang, Ying Lin, Gui-Hua Liu, Li Liang

Abstract read
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Article in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Shui-Xiu HuangEmergency Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China.
Yu ZhaoEmergency Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China.
Xiao-Juan WangThe School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China, No.1 Xuefu Avenue, Shangjie Town, Minhou County.
Long HuangZhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China.
Wei ZhangEmergency Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China.
Ying LinNewborn Intensive Care Unit, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian350001, 350001, China.
Gui-Hua LiuDepartment of Child Health Care, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, No. 18 Daoshan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou City, Fujian, 350001, China. lgh19860628@126.com.
Li LiangEmergency Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China. 369165008@qq.com.

Funding

Fujian Province Science and Technology Innovation Joint Fund Project 2020Y9030Fujian Provincial Department of Science and Technology 2019I0012
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMothers of preterm infants in China face unique breastfeeding challenges due to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization and restrictive visiting policies enforcing mother-infant separation. While breastfeeding is often assumed instinctive, little is known about the support needs of Chinese mothers from NICU admission to 6 months post-discharge, a critical period when breastfeeding cessation is common.

methodsA qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured video interviews with 20 mothers of preterm infants (8 during NICU hospitalization, 5 preparing for discharge, and 7 post-discharge) at a maternal and child health center in Fuzhou, China. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis, following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

resultsThree themes emerged, reflecting breastfeeding support needs: (1) Family support, including assistance with milk pumping and storage; (2) Professional support, encompassing dietary guidance, lactation initiation, and breastfeeding technique feedback; (3) Social and peer support, emphasizing guidance from experienced mothers and workplace accommodations. Subthemes highlighted needs for continuous professional consultation across the care continuum and standardized education for family caregivers as essential strategies to sustain breastfeeding.

conclusionsMothers of preterm infants expressed distinct, interconnected breastfeeding support needs across stages. These needs, when acknowledged and met, support successful breastfeeding. Findings can inform targeted interventions to enhance breastfeeding support, emphasizing continuous, comprehensive, and individualized care to promote breastfeeding among preterm infants.

Indexed as

Breast FeedingInfant, PrematureMothersSocial SupportAdultChinaFamily SupportFemaleHumansInfant, NewbornIntensive Care Units, NeonatalQualitative ResearchYoung AdultBreastfeedingChinaMaternal supportPreterm infantsQualitative study

Identifiers

PMID42243773
PMCPMC13455282

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.