Improving feeding skills and transition to breastfeeding in early preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial of oromotor intervention.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Oromotor therapy exercises used for preterm infants in the NICU might promote oral-motor skills and shorten discharge day. This study investigates the impact of an oral-motor therapy program on the successful transition to breastfeeding (BF) and the enhancement of feeding skills in preterm infants below 30 weeks of gestational age who experience feeding intolerance.

Methods

The intervention group received oral-motor therapy programme for one month, while the control group did not. The feeding skills were evaluated by Early Feeding Skills Assessment Tool (EFS) and Preterm Oral Feeding Readiness Scales (POFRAS).

Results

There was a significant difference in EFS and POFRAS scores, transition to bottle feeding at discharge and transition to BF after discharge

SUBMITTER: Comuk Balci N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10543751 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature