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Relationship between feeding milestones and comorbidities with the postnatal growth in preterm infants

Faith Bala1,2, Enas Alshaikh1,2, Sudarshan R Jadcherla3,4,5,6

  • 1The Innovative Infant Feeding Disorders Research Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Oh, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|June 9, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Achieving feeding milestones earlier in preterm infants is linked to better postnatal growth. Delays in feeding milestones correlate with slower growth and longer hospital stays for these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Postnatal growth is critical for preterm infants.
  • Feeding milestones are key developmental markers.
  • Understanding the link between feeding and growth is essential for optimizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between feeding milestones and postnatal growth in preterm infants.
  • To identify potential growth faltering risks related to feeding progression.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 77 infants born before 32 weeks' gestation.
  • Growth z-scores calculated at birth and discharge.
  • Postnatal growth faltering (PGF) defined by significant z-score changes.

Main Results:

  • 11.7% severe and 22% complex PGF observed.
  • Infants born <28 weeks had higher PGF rates and feeding delays.
  • Delayed enteral feeding correlated with slower growth and longer hospitalization.

Conclusions:

  • Feeding milestones and postnatal growth are interconnected in preterm infants.
  • Early achievement of feeding milestones may promote improved growth outcomes.
  • Optimizing feeding strategies could enhance growth in this population.
Abstract

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