Oral stimulation techniques in preterm infants – International research challenges

There has been a significant increase in the survival of preterm infants in recent years. These infants often face difficulty acquiring the complex set of skills required for exclusive oral feeding due to a multiplicity of factors. This paper discusses the theory underlying the use of oral stimulation interventions with the preterm infant, and their role in facilitating the transition from tube (gavage) feeds to exclusive oral feeding and ultimately discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Oral stimulation interventions are defined and the range of interventions described in the current literature is examined. The challenges that exist in deciphering the research evidence supporting their use is explored and directions for future research are provided.