The effect of an early oral stimulation program on oral feeding of preterm infants

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of an oral stimulation program on preterm infants.MethodsPreterm infants (n = 72) were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Controls (n = 36) received routine care while the experimental group (n = 36) received oral stimulation in addition to routine care. Postmenstrual age, total intake volume, body weight, the transition time from initiation of oral feeding to full oral feeding and feeding efficiency were calculated.ResultsPostmenstrual age and full oral feeding weight were significantly lower in the experimental group (p < 0.05). The time from initiation of oral feeding to full oral feeding was significantly shorter in the experimental group (p < 0.05) while feeding efficiency was higher in the experimental group (p < 0.05) compared to controls. No significant differences existed in hospital stay length or weight gain rate.ConclusionsAn early oral stimulation program is beneficial in preterm infants.