Testing Four Feeding Approaches to Oral Feeding in Preterm Infants

Feeding Readiness in Preterm Infants

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of four randomly assigned approaches to oral feeding transition on feeding outcomes in preterm infants.

The study is completed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1) the infant's gestational age at birth was less than 32 weeks; 2) the infant was receiving enteral feedings every three hours; 3) the infant was able medically to feed orally by 32 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA); and 3) the parents gave consent for the infant's participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1) they were unable to begin oral feeding at 32 weeks PMA due to gastrointestinal, craniofacial, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and/or genetic defects; 2) had surgical necrotizing enterocolitis; or 3) needed ventilator support, including nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), beyond 32 weeks PMA. Infants receiving oxygen by cannula were included.