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Does Prehabilitative Oromotor Stimulation Have Any Impact on Feeding Performance of Preterm Infants During Hospital
Suvashri Sasmal1, Asha P Shetty2, Bijan Saha3
1College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalyani, WB, India.
Insights
Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) significantly improved feeding performance and reduced hospital stays for preterm infants. This intervention also promoted higher rates of breastfeeding at discharge and sustained breastfeeding up to six months corrected age.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Preterm infants often experience feeding difficulties, impacting growth and hospital length of stay.
- Effective interventions are needed to optimize oral feeding skills and support breastfeeding in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) on feeding performance in preterm infants.
- To assess PIOMI's effect on hospitalization duration and breastfeeding outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, blinded clinical trial involving 130 preterm infants (26-32 weeks PMA).
- Intervention group received PIOMI (5 minutes, twice daily before feeds) starting at 30 weeks gestation.
- Control group received standard care; follow-up to 6 months corrected age.
Main Results:
- PIOMI group showed significantly improved feeding scores (p < .001).
- Infants achieved independent oral feeding at lower body weights (p < .001) and had shorter hospitalizations (p < .05).
- Higher rates of breastfeeding at discharge and sustained breastfeeding to 6 months corrected age were observed in the PIOMI group (p < 0.005).
Conclusions:
- PIOMI is an effective prehabilitative strategy for enhancing oral feeding performance in preterm infants.
- The intervention contributes to reduced hospital stays and improved breastfeeding success.
- PIOMI supports better long-term feeding outcomes and maternal-infant bonding for preterm neonates.
Abstract:
This study investigates the impact of a prehabilitative oromotor stimulation, namely, premature infant oral motor intervention (PIOMI), on feeding performance in preterm infants during hospitalization and early infancy. In this randomized, blinded clinical trial, 130 preterm infants (26-32 weeks PMA) were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received PIOMI, or the control group. PIOMI was administered twice daily for 5 minutes, approximately 15-20 minutes before feeding, starting at 30 weeks' gestation. Follow-up assessments were conducted until 6 months of corrected age. The results demonstrated that infants in the intervention group showed significantly improved feeding performance scores (p < .001), achieved independent oral feeding at lower body weights (p < .001), and had a shorter hospitalization period (p < .05). Additionally, a greater proportion of infants in the intervention group were on mothers' milk at discharge and sustained breastfeeding until 6 months of corrected age (p < 0.005). The findings highlight the effectiveness of PIOMI as a prehabilitative strategy to enhance feeding performance, reduce hospital stays, and promote sustained breastfeeding in preterm neonates.
