Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
The development of a mother's internal working model of feeding
Lisa F Brown1, Junyanee Griffin, Barbara Reyna
1School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA. lfbrown2@vcu.edu
Purpose:
The purpose of the study was to describe changes in a mother's early internal working model of infant feeding.
Design And Methods:
In this qualitative study, 12 maternal responses to the semi-structured internal working model interview were audio-recorded, once in the neonatal intensive care unit after infants began oral feeding and once 2 weeks post-discharge. Interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis.
Results:
A change between mothers' early and later nipple feeding experiences was identified.
Practice Implications:
Nurses and other clinicians can help mothers understand the infant's behaviors and focus on the infant's nutritional intake while simultaneously developing a relationship with the infant.
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