Perceptions of mothers expressing breast milk on the neonatal unit following preterm delivery

It can take many weeks before babies who are born early are ready to start feeding from the breast. Maintaining lactation until their infant is ready to breastfeed can prove problematic for some mothers. This study explores the feelings and experiences of mothers who give birth to preterm infants towards expressing and maintaining breast milk while their infant is cared for in the neonatal unit. It highlights the challenges for mothers wishing to express breast milk for their newborn preterm infant and recommends areas of practice that could be improved.