137 Enhancing breastfeeding establishment in the NICU: A randomized clinical trial of two non-nutritive sucking approaches

摘要

Infants who are born prematurely are at risk of developing several life-threatening complications, such as necrotizing entercolotis, chronic lung disease and sepsis, which can be mediated by human milk nutrition. Despite these benefits, the incidence of breastfeeding in preterm infants is less than full-term infants (1). The low breastfeeding rates are attributed to the unique challenges for attaining breastfeeding in preterm infants. Those born at less than 34 weeks gestation are developmentally unable to generate and coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing (1). Numerous clinical initiatives promote breastfeeding in preterm infants, but focus primarily on improving maternal education and support (2). Research strategies aimed at improving oral motor skills associated with breastfeeding in preterm infants are needed.