Effectiveness of an oral-motor intervention for premature infants: Feeding and maternal self-efficacy

This pilot study examines the effects of a non-invasive mother-administered oral motor stimulation intervention incorporating maternal breast milk, on feeding quality, and maternal self-efficacy, which has not previously been examined.

Preterm infants are at risk of feeding difficulties, and while oral motor interventions have demonstrated efficacy, few have examined outcomes related to parental self-efficacy.

In a controlled prospective pilot study, 46 preterm infants were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 26) or control (n = 20) groups. The intervention group received an oral-motor stimulation program using breast milk, which involved mothers performing external oral stimulation followed by non-nutritive sucking with breast milk for 10 min, twice a day, over a 10-day period. The control group received routine care.

Intervention group showed significantly improved oral feeding quality as measured by the Infant-Driven Feeding Scales (IDFS). No significant group differences were observed in days to full oral feeding or hospital stay length. Maternal parenting self-efficacy increased significantly over time for both groups, with no significant group differences. Intervention's feasibility showed through intervention group mothers' reports that it is an applicable treatment, contributes to strengthening mother-infant bond, maternal sense of self-efficacy in the general care of their preterm infants, particularly in feeding them CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive oral motor stimulation using breast milk promotes oral feeding quality in preterm infants.

Implementation of this intervention by mothers, at early hospitalization stages, may strengthen maternal self-efficacy, especially in acquiring feeding skills.