Effectiveness of Pre Feed Oral Stimulation Programme on Feeding Behaviour and Growth Velocity of Preterm Infants

Abstract

Background: Difficulty in feeding is an important problem that preterm infants need to overcome. Facilitating oral feeding skills and helping preterm infants transit to full oral feeding is an important focus of preterm care in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of pre feed oral stimulation programme on feeding behaviour and growth velocity of preterm infants admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Methods: A quantitative research approach with quasi experimental pre-test post-test control group design was used for the study. The framework, Betty Neuman’s System model theoretically supported the study. The study was conducted among sixty preterm infants admitted in the NICU and infants were selected by nonprobability purposive sampling. Clinical data sheet of preterm infants, breastfeeding behaviour assessment scale and growth velocity monitoring sheet were used for data collection. Weighing scale, infantometer and inch tape were used to measure anthropometric measures of preterm infants.
Results: Analysis of data revealed significant difference in feeding behavior of preterm babies after pre feed oral stimulation programme. Regarding the growth velocity, study shows a significant difference in the weight of preterm infants between control and experimental group, but there was no significant difference in the length, head circumference and chest circumference of the preterm infants.
Conclusion: The current study revealed that, pre feed oral stimulation programme has significant influence on promoting feeding behaviour and subsequent positive weight gain in preterm infants.