<![CDATA[Stunting is a consequence of chronic nutritional problems that can make children more susceptible to illness and experience impaired brain development and cognitive function, which may ultimately affect their quality of life. This study contributed to exploring and gaining an in-depth understanding of mothers’ lived experiences from the preconception period through pregnancy, childbirth, and the child’s growth and development, including their experiences of caring for a child with stunting, to strengthen the role of families in the prevention and management of stunting and inform implications for nursing practice. This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach. Data were collected through interviews and observations of five informants selected based on the research objectives. This study used the member check method as a data credibility process, which was then followed by data transcription. The findings of this study revealed three major themes and seven subthemes. The three major themes were (1) maternal pregnancy identified as high risk, (2) vulnerable infant development after birth, and (3) suboptimal nutritional fulfillment. The seven subthemes were: (1) unrecognized pregnancy resulting in a lack of preparation, (2) high-risk pregnancy, (3) preterm delivery, (4) infants born prematurely or preterm, (5) infants requiring special care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), (6) lack of exclusive breastfeeding, and (7) inadequate nutritional intake among toddlers due to feeding difficulties. The researchers explored the mothers lived experiences of caring for children with stunting and identified three major themes.]]>
