Parents’ experiences of sham feeding their child with esophageal atresia at home while awaiting reconstructive surgery. A qualitative interview study

This study aimed to explore parents’ experience of sham feeding their baby born with esophageal atresia at home, waiting for reconstructive surgery.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of six children born with esophageal atresia waiting for delayed reconstruction. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Parents experienced that sham feed reinforced the healthy abilities in their baby. They had faith in their own ability as parents to care for their child as well as to see to their baby’s strength to cope with difficulties. Parents expressed that the health care system can hinder as well as be a major support on their way to a more normal life at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery.

The experience of sham feeding at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery is characterized by positive aspects both for children born with esophageal atresia and their parents.