Breastfeeding Experiences of Mothers with Babies Admitted to the University Teaching Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Lusaka, Zambia

Purpose: The main objective was to explore the breastfeeding experiences of mothers with babies admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Women and Newborn Hospital (WNBH), Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological transcendental (descriptive) design using unstructured in-depth interviews with mothers of babies admitted to the NICU at UTH Women and Newborn, Lusaka, Zambia was used to explore the experiences. All the interviews were recorded and then transcribed thereafter analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Findings revealed that breastfeeding in NICU was breastfeeding in a restricted environment as mothers had inadequate time for breastfeeding and bonding. Mothers perceived the NICU to be a painful and scary place. The breastfeeding support was perceived as good breastfeeding support while some mothers perceived the support as inadequate or no breastfeeding support. Nevertheless, mothers had alternative support options while breastfeeding in a restricted environment and the options included praying to God Almighty, strengthening oneself and peer support. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study concluded that separation of mothers from their babies was a source of pain and NICU was not a conducive environment for breastfeeding. Mothers need more time with their babies so as to promote breastfeeding and bonding.