Feeding outcomes of extremely premature infants after neonatal care

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Pediatric nutrition
• Infant development

Background:

• Feeding difficulties are a significant concern for families with extremely preterm infants post-discharge.
• Increasing referrals for feeding problems in extremely preterm children highlight a critical gap in transitional care.
• Consequences include impaired growth, development, and family well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the evidence and nature of feeding problems in extremely preterm children after neonatal care discharge.
• To inform healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, about common feeding issues.
• To guide families in preparing for and managing post-discharge feeding challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing evidence on feeding problems in extremely preterm infants.
• Analysis of common feeding issues reported by families and healthcare providers.
• Synthesis of findings to describe the nature and scope of the problem.

Main Results:

• Extremely preterm children frequently exhibit selective eating, small portion intake, and difficulty with food textures.
• Food refusal is a common and distressing issue for families.
• These feeding problems persist beyond neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge.

Conclusions:

• Feeding problems are prevalent and impactful for extremely preterm infants and their families after discharge.
• Nurses play a vital role in educating and supporting families to manage these challenges.
• Further research and targeted interventions are needed to address the long-term nutritional and developmental needs of this population.