Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025
Author Spotlight: Implications of Non-Nutritive Sucking on Speech Emergence and Infant Development
Published on: April 19, 2024
Impact of an Infant-Driven Feeding Initiative on Feeding Outcomes in the Preterm Neonate
Zara Ilahi1, Theresa Capolongo, Angela DiMeglio
1Department of Pediatrics, Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York (Dr Ilahi); Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York (Ms Capolongo and DiMeglio and Dr Rahman); and Biostatistics Unit, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York (Dr Demissie).
Insights
Infant-driven feeding (IDF) helps preterm infants achieve full nipple feeds and discharge sooner. While weight gain was slower, IDF optimized NICU stays and showed feasibility in a NICU setting.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric nutrition
- Quality improvement in healthcare
Background:
- Poor feeding techniques in preterm infants can lead to adverse outcomes.
- Infant-driven feeding (IDF) is a structured, cue-based feeding method aligned with infant neurodevelopment.
- IDF aims to standardize feeding practices for preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of initiating an Infant-driven feeding (IDF) initiative on feeding milestones and discharge timing.
- To evaluate the effect of IDF on neonatal growth parameters.
- To determine the feasibility of implementing an IDF protocol in a level III NICU.
Main Methods:
- A quality improvement project comparing outcomes before and after IDF protocol implementation.
- Inclusion of 80 preterm infants (40 pre-IDF, 40 post-IDF).
- Nurses received training on IDF philosophy and methods prior to intervention.
Main Results:
- Infants on IDF were discharged at a younger corrected gestational age (CGA) and reached ad lib feeds sooner.
- The duration between first nipple feed (NF) and discharge was shorter with IDF.
- IDF infants showed slower weight gain (larger drop in z-score), but the protocol was feasible for staff.
Conclusions:
- Infant-driven feeding (IDF) optimizes NICU stays for preterm infants, facilitating earlier safe discharge.
- Potential benefits include increased parental satisfaction and reduced hospital costs.
- Further research is needed to confirm benefits and explore the role of direct breastfeeding within IDF.
Background:
Poor feeding techniques result in adverse outcomes for preterm infants. Infant-driven feeding (IDF) is a structured feeding method that standardizes neonatal cue-based feedings, and matches the neurodevelopmental stage of the preterm infant. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to assess whether initiation of an IDF initiative impacts time from first nipple feed (NF) to full NF and to discharge in infants born before 35 weeks' gestational age. Secondary aims include assessment of the impact of IDF on neonatal growth and feasibility of following an IDF protocol in a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Methods:
This quality improvement project assesses differences in time to first NF, length of hospital stay, and neonatal growth before and after usage of an IDF protocol. Eighty infants were included, 40 prior to and 40 after IDF intervention. Nurses were trained on IDF philosophy and methods prior to initiation.
Results:
IDF was associated with discharge at a younger corrected gestational age (CGA), attainment of ad lib feeds at a younger CGA, and shorter amount of days between first NF and discharge. Infants utilizing IDF had slower weight gain, demonstrated by a larger drop in z score in the IDF group. The medical team and bedside nurses were able to follow the IDF protocol with few exceptions.
Implications For Practice/Research:
IDF allows for optimization of a preterm infant's NICU stay and prepares infants for a safe discharge sooner. This could lead to increased parental satisfaction and decreased hospital cost. Further studies are indicated to ensure these benefits remain and focus on impact direct breastfeeding plays in the IDF model.
More Related Videos
07:11Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling
Published on: February 5, 2019
09:36Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
Published on: July 28, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:15Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube...
01:26Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...