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Predictors of the time to attain full oral feeding in late preterm infants
Bianca N Jackson1, Bronwen Noreen Kelly1, Clare Maria McCann1
1Speech Science, School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Insights
Late preterm infants born between 32-36 weeks gestation typically start oral feeding within one day and achieve full oral feeding by 12 days. Key factors influencing feeding progression include gestational age, birth weight, and infant health status.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Late preterm infants (32-36 weeks gestation) often face challenges with oral feeding.
- Establishing full oral feeding is crucial for timely hospital discharge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors for the initiation and achievement of full oral feeding in late preterm infants.
- To understand factors influencing feeding milestones in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for 647 late preterm infants.
- Data collected from six neonatal intensive care units in New Zealand.
- Inclusion criteria: infants born between 2005-2011.
Main Results:
- Median time to first oral feed: 1 day.
- Median time to full oral feeding: 12 days.
- Gestational age, birth weight, medical conditions, and unit location significantly impacted feeding times.
Conclusions:
- Identified key factors affecting oral feeding progression in late preterm infants.
- Findings support clinical practice and discharge planning for preterm infants.
- Further research needed to explore infant, maternal, and environmental influences on feeding milestones.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to determine the factors that predict the timing and age at which preterm infants (born 32-36 weeks gestation) commenced and attained full oral feeding.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of 647 preterm infants born 2005-2011. Infants were from six neonatal intensive care units in New Zealand, all World Health Organisation Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative accredited.
Results:
Median time to the first oral feed offered was one day, and median time to the time of full oral feeding was 12 days. No infants attained full oral feeding before 33(+3) weeks postmenstrual age. Gestational age, birthweight, medical conditions and location of the neonatal unit were significantly associated with the time taken to commence and attain full oral feeding.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the factors that are associated with the rate at which late preterm infants commence oral feeding and progress to full oral feeding. These findings offer important considerations not only for clinical practice but also discharge planning given the preference for preterm infants reaching full oral feeds before discharge from hospital. Prospective experimental research is required to confirm infant, maternal and environmental factors that influence feeding milestones in late preterm infants.
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