Lessons learned from child health care nurses' experiences of teaching infant massage groups: A qualitative interview-based study

Abstract

Aim: To describe child health care nurses' experiences of teaching infant massage in parent groups.

Design: This was an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study based on individual interviews.

Method: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with child health care nurses (N = 9) according to the COREQ guidelines and analyzed with qualitative content analysis.

Results: Five categories were identified: (1) Infant massage can promote attachment between parents/guardians and their children; (2) Infant massage can have a calming impact; (3) Stress and lack of time can be challenging; (4) The composition of parent groups can be important and (5) The child health care nurse can observe parents'/guardians' relationships with their children. Child health care nurses are uniquely familiar with infant massage and the benefits it provides both parents/guardians and their infants. Specifically, infant massage has a calming effect that reduces stress and strengthens the relationship between infants and their parents/guardians.

Patient or public contribution: Child health care nurses were interviewed.

Keywords: child health care nurses; infant massage; interviews; qualitative study.