Parents’ experiences of sham feeding their child with esophageal atresia at home while awaiting reconstructive surgery. A qualitative interview study
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In brief
In brief
This qualitative study explores how parents experience sham feeding their infants with esophageal atresia at home while awaiting delayed reconstructive surgery. Parents reported that sham feeding reinforced their child's healthy abilities and strengthened parental confidence, though healthcare system support varied significantly.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to explore parents’ experience of sham feeding their baby born with esophageal atresia at home, waiting for reconstructive surgery.
Method
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of six children born with esophageal atresia waiting for delayed reconstruction. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Results
Parents experienced that sham feed reinforced the healthy abilities in their baby. They had faith in their own ability as parents to care for their child as well as to see to their baby’s strength to cope with difficulties. Parents expressed that the health care system can hinder as well as be a major support on their way to a more normal life at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery.
Conclusion
The experience of sham feeding at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery is characterized by positive aspects both for children born with esophageal atresia and their parents.