Experiences of Mothers of Premature Infants Receiving Rehabilitation Therapy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore and develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of mothers of premature children receiving rehabilitation therapy. METHODS: The participants were 12 mothers with premature children who had received rehabilitation therapy for over 1 year. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted from July to August 2017. The data were analyzed through the phenomenological research method. RESULTS: The participants' experience was structured into five thematic clusters: ‘Regret and guilt that premature birth led to rehabilitation therapy’, ‘Burden of life in an endless tunnel’, ‘Changes in personal relationships surrounding me and my child’, ‘Meaning of new life through my child’, and ‘Desire to expand the rehabilitation of premature infants’. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will be helpful for developing family-centered care programs for premature infants at high risk of developmental disorders.