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Common feeding problems in the intensive care nursery: maturation, organization, evaluation, and management
1Wake Medical Center, Releigh, North Carolina, USA.
Insights
This review covers feeding and swallowing in premature infants, discussing maturation, evaluations, and common problems. A team approach respecting infant cues and family involvement is crucial for managing these fragile infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Premature and high-risk infants often exhibit feeding and swallowing difficulties.
- Maturation and organizational skills significantly impact feeding abilities in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on feeding and swallowing in premature and high-risk infants.
- To discuss evaluation methods, common problems, and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of feeding and swallowing in premature and high-risk infants.
- Discussion of instrumental evaluations such as cervical auscultation and modified barium swallow studies.
- Description of common feeding problems and management approaches.
Main Results:
- Feeding abilities are influenced by infant maturation and organization.
- Instrumental evaluations are key for assessing swallowing function.
- A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for effective management.
Conclusions:
- Effective intervention requires understanding infant cues and developmental stage.
- Family-centered care is integral to successful feeding and swallowing management.
- A comprehensive, team-based strategy is vital for this fragile population.
Abstract:
This paper reviews current literature on feeding and swallowing of the premature and high-risk infant. If addresses issues of maturation and organization that affect feeding abilities. Evaluation issues including instrumental evaluations (e.g., cervical auscultation, modified barium swallow studies) are discussed. Finally, common problems seen in this population are described along with the wide range of management strategies to consider. Whenever intervening with this fragile population a team approach must be used; the individual needs and behavioral cues of the infant must be read, respected, and responded to, while ensuring that families play an integral part of the process.