Introduction: Maternal milk is the best choice of nutrition for preterm infants. The colostrum has an important biological, protective role for prematurely born children in the first, critical days of their lives. Buccal colonization with colostrum is recommended for the early colonization of preterm infants in intensive care units. The buccal application of the colostrum is performed directly on the inside of the oral mucosa. Preterm infants, days, weeks, perhaps months after birth, cannot breastfeed, causing a problem in establishing, maintaining lactation in mothers. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma work is to present the buccal application of colostrum in preterm infants and to describe the experience of the mother of a preterm infant with buccal application of the colostrum. Methods: In the diploma work we used a descriptive method of work with a systematic review of literature in the English and Slovenian languages. In the search, we used the time frame from 2008 to 2018. In the empirical part we used a qualitative research approach. We conducted an interview with a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: By the analysis of the interview, we found mother's good knowledge of the importance of breast milk and breastfeeding for her preterm infant. Positive opinion on the buccal colonization with colostrum, surprise over the procedure, which was an invaluable experience for her. Discussion and conclusion: The mothers of preterm infants need pre-delivery instructions on the possibility of colostrum removal after delivery, and the buccal application of the colostrum. The buccal application gives them the impression, that they have done something good for their baby and motivate them to continue with milk expression.
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