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Early introduction of oral feeding in preterm infants

Chanda Simpson1, Richard J Schanler, Chantal Lau

  • 1Pediatrix Medical Group of Texas, PA, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.

Pediatrics
|September 3, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Early oral feeding in preterm infants significantly shortens the transition time from tube to full oral feeding. This approach accelerates feeding milestones and enhances oral motor skills for successful infant nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Nutrition and Feeding Practices
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infant Development

Background:

  • Preterm infants often require prolonged tube feeding due to immature oral feeding skills.
  • Transitioning from tube to oral feeding is a critical developmental milestone.
  • Optimizing this transition is essential for infant growth and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if early introduction of oral feeding accelerates the transition from tube to all oral feeding in preterm infants.
  • To determine if this intervention leads to earlier achievement of full oral feeding.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 29 preterm infants (<30 weeks' gestation).
  • Intervention group received early oral feeding initiation post-full tube feeding; control group received standard care.
  • Feeding milestones, overall transfer, and milk transfer rate were monitored.

Main Results:

  • The intervention group started oral feeding earlier (31.1 vs. 33.7 weeks postmenstrual age) and achieved all oral feeding sooner (34.5 vs. 36.0 weeks).
  • Transition time was significantly reduced in the intervention group (26.8 vs. 38.4 days).
  • Oral motor skill indicators (overall transfer and milk transfer rate) were comparable between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Early oral feeding introduction effectively accelerates the transition from tube to all oral feeding in preterm infants.
  • This strategy facilitates earlier attainment of oral feeding and improves oral motor skill development.
  • Early intervention supports safer and more successful infant feeding outcomes.
Abstract

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