Related Experiment Videos
The development of preterm infants' breastfeeding behavior
K H Nyqvist1, P O Sjödén, U Ewald
1Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Children's Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Early Human Development
|August 27, 1999
Summary
Preterm infants demonstrate early learning of breastfeeding behaviors, developing efficient sucking patterns from 28 weeks postmenstrual age. Guidelines for initiating breastfeeding should prioritize cardiorespiratory stability over infant maturity or weight.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Infant Development
- Lactation Studies
Background:
- Limited data exists on breastfeeding behavior development in preterm infants.
- Understanding preterm infant sucking is crucial for successful lactation support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the developmental trajectory of preterm infants' breastfeeding behavior.
- To correlate behavior with postmenstrual and postnatal age.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 71 preterm infants (26.7-35.9 weeks gestational age).
- Mothers used the Preterm Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale for data collection.
- Observations covered 70% of breastfeeding sessions during hospitalization.
Main Results:
- Infants showed rooting and sucking responses from initial breast contact.
- Efficient rooting, grasp, and latching observed by 28 weeks postmenstrual age.
- Nutritive sucking emerged around 30.6 weeks; full breastfeeding established in 57 infants by 36.0 weeks PMA.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infant sucking behavior appears to be learned, enhanced by stimuli.
- Recommend initiating breastfeeding based on cardiorespiratory stability, not solely on maturity or weight.