The Maternal Role in Feeding Children With Down Syndrome Within Family and Societal Contexts: A Qualitative Study

Feeding children is part of family caregiving. Children with Down syndrome have increased risks for feeding problems, but there is limited literature on caregiving specific to feeding children with Down syndrome. The purpose of this study is to understand mothers’ experiences related to feeding their 3- to 10-year-old children with Down syndrome within family and sociocultural contexts. This was a qualitative study using interviews and photo-elicitation. Twenty-nine mothers of children with Down syndrome in the United States participated. Three themes were identified: (a) Feeding Challenges and Foodwork Related to the Child’s Feeding Attributes, (b) Family Dynamics and Routines that Impact Foodwork, and (c) Influence of Family and Sociocultural Norms on Feeding Experiences. Mothers engage in complex family caregiving work to feed their children with Down syndrome. Feeding can be influenced by child and family characteristics and by sociocultural contexts. Findings have implications for clinical practice and research.