Comparison of the Finger Feeding Method Versus Syringe Feeding Method in Supporting Sucking Skills of Preterm Babies

The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of a new method called "finger feeding" with a well-known technique called syringe feeding for improving sucking skills and accelerating transition to breastfeeding in preterm infants. Totally 70 babies were included in this prospective randomized controlled study. Finger feeding method was applied in Group 1 (n = 35) and syringe feeding method was applied in Group 2 (n = 35). The COMFORTneo scale (CnS), oxygen saturation, pulse, respiratory rate, body temperature, amount of breast milk taken, and vomiting data were recorded before and after both applications. Hospitalization period and time elapsed for complete transition from both methods to breastfeeding were also recorded. There was no statistical difference for birth weights, mean gestational age, and vital signs recorded before and after feeding between two groups. Predicted comfort and distress scores of Group 1 determined by the CnS were significantly lower than those of Group 2. This means that babies in the finger feeding group had better comfort than the those in Group 2 (p = 0.000). Time passed for transition to breastfeeding was significantly shorter than that in Group 2 (19.4 ± 15.0 days versus 29.7 ± 10.2 days, p = 0.000). Group 1 had lower amount of food leakage while feeding and their average weight gain at the end of 10th day was significantly higher (322.1 ± 82.3 g versus 252 ± 108.4 g, p = 0.004). They also were discharged earlier than Group 2 (25.8 ± 17.4 days versus 35.9 ± 13.0 days, p = 0.001). Finger feeding method is an effective way for increasing sucking abilities, accelerating transition to breastfeeding, and shortens duration of hospitalization in preterm infants.