Nursing support in caring premature babies with delays in oral feeding skills: A qualitative descriptive study

Background: Oral feeding skills are a dynamic and complex process involving the premature baby, parents, and environment. The role of the nurse as an advocate is needed to improve oral feeding skills of premature babies. Objective: This research aimed to explore the nurse experience for caring premature baby with delayed oral feeding skills. Methods: This research used a descriptive qualitative method with a purposive sampling technique. This research was conducted on 12 nurses from intensive care levels III, II, and outpatients. Data were collected through in-depth interviews until reaching data saturation. This research used thematic analysis by Kiger and Varpio (2020). Results: The research include: (1) Creating a therapeutic environment; (2) Supporting parent-infant dyadic interaction; (3) Supporting transition home. Conclusion: Nursing intervention support is needed in caring for premature babies with delayed oral feeding skills through collaboration between nurses, parents, and families. Family-centered care needs to be carried out in caring for premature babies with delayed oral feeding skills.