The effect of feeding experience on clinical outcomes in preterm infants

Objective: The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the effect of oral feeding experience on clinical outcomes (time to full oral feedings and length of stay) in preterm infants. Study Design: This analysis was completed on 92 infants who participated in a longitudinal, non-experimental study. Data were collected daily for maturity, weight and experience at oral feeding. Additional data were collected to assess overall morbidity. Result: Time to full oral feedings was predicted by experience at oral feeding and morbidity. Length of stay from the start of oral feedings until discharge was predicted by feeding experience and by maturity at the first oral feeding. Weight gain was not affected by feeding experience. Conclusion: Experience at feeding may result in more rapid transition to full oral feedings regardless of severity of illness and may contribute to shorter length of stay. These positive clinical outcomes related to feeding experience warrant further research attention.