Premature Infant and Feeding MethodThe method of feeding a baby is normally decided by a couple at the beginning of pregnancy or even before conception of pregnancy. Shaker et al (2004) conducted a study on the attitudes of expectant parents towards feeding methods. Shaker et al (2004) found that when asked about their feeding preference between 8 and 12 weeks, all parents respondents had a preferred choice. Shaker et al (2004) suggest that this early preference could include reasons such as fathers' disavowal. to breastfeed in public, believing that the breast is best and wanting to give their child the best start in life and the influence of their family and friends. Although the feeding method is often chosen before the baby is born, the couple normally believes that the baby will be born healthy and full-term, at 37 weeks gestation (Copper et al 2012). For the purposes of this assignment, a premature infant will be described as a baby born before 36 + 6 weeks of gestation (Copper et al 2012). The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of parents of a premature infant throughout their journey. the neonatal unit (NU), regarding the support offered to them regarding the choice of feeding method. This study also aims to find out what influences a parent's choice of feeding method. It also aims to find out whether parents were encouraged to change their feeding method. I believe that research in this area would be beneficial, because statistical research is constantly being conducted in each neonatal unit to determine which feeding method the parent of a premature infant chooses. While this research is necessary, valid and very useful, it provides no insight into why parents chose this particular feeding method and whether they have changed their minds about fees...... middle of paper..... .they study because they need to feel supported and not just research candidates. Parents must also feel that the research will benefit not only themselves and their baby, but also other parents and the babies who will follow them into the neonatal unit. The study needs to be easy for parents to access, as they would be discouraged if it meant spending too much time away from their baby. This study will be useful for neonatal units to see what additional support can be put in place to enable parents to feel supported in their chosen feeding method. It will also be useful in determining what support is also in place that is helpful to parents and whether parents feel changes need to be made. Finally, this study may be useful to parents by allowing them to discuss dietary decisions and justify their choice. themselves why the decision was made.