Infant Driven Feeding for Preterm Infants: Learning Through Experience

Studies have shown that by feeding preterm infants in response to their developmental cues, infant-driven feeding (IDF) might help establish independent oral feeding skills. The goal of the project was to incorporate an IDF model of care into large, referral neonatal intensive care unit and to assess its effects on infants born at ≥ 30 weeks gestation. An algorithm detailing an IDF practice, educational programs for the nurses and parents, a chart audit tool, and practice guidelines were developed as quality improvement intervention strategies. Infants in the IDF group attained ad libitum feedings earlier (35.0 ± 1.1 vs. 35.6 ± 1.1 weeks’ PCA, p = 0.008) without compromising weight gain. There was propensity to the earlier hospital discharge and fewer feeding therapist consults in the IDF group, but the results did not reach statistically significant difference. The article offers one institution’s approach, our experience and lessons learned.