A grounded theory study on the experiences of mothers with premature infants: Walking on a long road full of difficulties

This study aims to examine the experiences of mothers with premature infants/children and construct the theoretical structure regarding these experiences. Charmaz's (2014) constructivist grounded theory methodology was adopted within the study. The study group consists of nine mothers whose in-depth interview transcriptions were used and 287 mothers whose data were drawn from the Facebook group. As a result, the grounded theory reflecting the mothers' experiences was structured as 'walking on a long road full of difficulties.' These experiences involve the process from the prenatal period to school age. The following six categories emerged within this grounded theory: 1) trying to prevent premature birth; 2) watching for the incubator; 3) experiencing coming together at two different extremes; 4) wearing out of the difficulties brought by prematurity; 5) decreasing difficulties brought by prematurity over time; 6) getting used to being a mother of a premature child. Within the scope of theoretical sampling, a Facebook group including premature mothers was also included in the analysis. The grounded theory of this group is constructed as 'being a passenger on the same road.' The following three categories emerged within this grounded theory: 1) seeing the group as a resource; 2) being us; 3) feeling good thanks to the group. The categories included in both grounded theories have a varying number of subcategories. The study results were discussed in line with the literature and related theoretical frameworks.