Mothers' experience of supporting their very preterm child's development over the first two years of life: a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis.

Abstract

To explore the experience of mothers supporting their very preterm child's development in the first two years of life. A phenomenological qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews. Participants were mothers of infants born <30 weeks' gestation (<i>n</i> = 9). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes describe layers of support that mothers used across the two years. The first theme, Drawing on internal resources, possibility and self-efficacy, explores the internal resources of mothers. Theme 2: It takes a village: support from family and social network, explores important relationships throughout their experience. The final theme: When healthcare works: the right people, the right support, describe the support mothers received from early intervention and healthcare professionals. Mothers' experiences can be influenced by the internal resources, their social networks and formalised, structured support from healthcare services, such as early intervention programs. Our results highlight the importance of supportive healthcare relationships, accessible early intervention services and opportunities for connection with other parents with similar experiences.