The effects of nonnutritive sucking and oral support on the feeding efficiency of preterm infants

Alice S. Hill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the influence of oral support and nonnutritive sucking (NNS) across time on the feeding efficiency of preterm infants. The study was conducted as a three-group repeated-observation control group design. One hundred fifty-six infants were included in the analysis. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed at baseline, immediately after a 1-week intervention, and 7 days postintervention on the formula intake at 5 minutes, length of feeding, bursts, pauses, and pause duration. It was concluded that oral support and NNS are beneficial for preterm infants and that both interventions have immediate and continuing effects on the amount of formula taken in the first 5 minutes of feeding. The effects on sucking pattern characteristics are mixed with continuing effects noted on the number and length of bursts after the use of oral support and NNS but not immediately after the intervention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)133-141
Number of pages9
JournalNewborn and Infant Nursing Reviews
Volume5
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics

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