Parents' Perspectives and Processes During Weaning for Preterm-Born Children: A Qualitative Study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Feeding difficulties are common among preterm-born children. During the weaning process, incorporating parents' perspectives into support systems is essential to enhance family-centered care. AIM: This study aimed to clarify parents' experiences during the weaning period of preterm-born children by exploring how they perceive their children's condition and navigate the process. METHODS: Nine parents who were weaning their preterm-born children under 24 months of corrected age were included. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Japan between August and October 2024. The qualitative data were then analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: All participants were mothers. Their children's mean gestational age at birth was 29.7 ± 4.4 weeks, and the mean corrected age at the interview was 15 ± 4 months. Across challenges, successes, and support stages, seven categories were identified: challenges-(1) Difficulties in deviating from standard weaning practices, (2) Impatience with children's growth and development; successes-(3) Weaning based on children's actual feeding behavior, (4) Cooperation with family and experienced caregivers; support-(5) Need for timely access to professional consultation, (6) Exploration of approaches tailored to children's condition with professionals, and (7) Relief and confidence through collaboration with professionals. Parents were unable to progress age-based weaning milestones and required support from healthcare professionals. Parents focused on their children's actual feeding behaviors to navigate at their child's own pace. CONCLUSION: Challenges specific to prematurity during weaning led parents to explore approaches tailored to each child's needs. Although they experienced impatience regarding their children's growth, support from healthcare professionals provided reassurance. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: To provide family-centered care during the weaning process, nursing management should establish a coordinated support system that spans the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and community healthcare settings. This system should include discharge planning, follow-up assessments of feeding development, and nurse education on the long-term developmental needs of preterm-born children. In addition, accessible consultation pathways should be established to enable parents to seek timely advice and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration tailored to the needs of each child and family.