How do mothers juggle the special dietary needs of one child while feeding the family? A qualitative exploration

Aim: The study aims to examine the lived experiences of mothers implementing a special diet (cow's milk protein free) for a child under 12 while also continuing to feed their family. The second aim was to examine how these experiences impacted on their decision of whether or not to continue the diet. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative approach was taken. Semi-structured telephone interviews were held with mothers of children participating in a six-week dietary trial. Questions focused on their experiences of administering a special diet and influences on diet continuation after the trial. Interviews were voice recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted using a constant comparative inductive approach with the aid of NVivo7 (QSR International Pty Ltd., Doncaster, Victoria, Australia). Results: Twenty-two parents were interviewed. Children participants were aged between 2 and 12years (mean 6years). Key themes arising about feasibility of the diet included maternal concern to please the entire family with food, sharing responsibility with the child and development of existing skills in food provision. Specialist medical advice impacted on continuation of the diet beyond the trial. Conclusion: This is one of only a few studies investigating how the extra burden of meeting the special dietary needs of one child, while feeding the family, is experienced by women. A more complete understanding of the barriers to implementing and sustaining dietary modification may eventually improve nutrition outcomes. © 2012 The Authors. Nutrition Dietetics © 2012 Dietitians Association of Australia.