[Applying Developmental Care Theory to the Improvement of Self-Regulation and Feeding Difficulties in a Late Preterm...

When preterm infants present with organ anomalies that require immediate surgical intervention after birth, their immature nervous systems often limit their ability to cope with the stress of surgery and subsequent treatments. This often results in difficulties with self-regulation and related health issues. The case described in this study involves a late preterm female infant born at 36+4 weeks of gestation who underwent cardiac surgery on the fifth day after birth. Postoperatively, she exhibited neonatal neurodevelopmental disorganization, ineffective suck-swallow reflexes, and inadequate nutritional intake. The first author provided nursing care between April 22 to May 10, 2025, with a telephone follow-up on May 14. The provided interventions were guided by Als' Synactive Theory of Development and integrated the Seven Neuroprotective Core Measures of the Neonatal Integrative Developmental Care Model, encompassing environmental regulation, sleep and positioning support, stress and pain management, and family-centered care. Objective evaluation was conducted using the Preterm Infant Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale (POFRAS). The results demonstrated improvements in both self-regulation and feeding difficulties. Notably, the incidence of crying episodes decreased, the infant was able to sustain a calm state for longer periods, coordination of suck-swallow-breathing improved, and oral intake increased. Consequently, the amount of supplemental gavage feeding was reduced, caregivers were able to provide effective care, and the POFRAS score rose from 21 to 32. The comprehensive care approach described in this study integrates theoretical frameworks with behavioral cue-based observations to effectively improve feeding difficulties and self-regulation in preterm infants undergoing invasive surgery while simultaneously enhancing caregiver competence and confidence.