Simmer K, Kok C, Nancarrow K, Hepworth AR, Geddes DT. Novel feeding system to promote establishment of breastfeeds after preterm birth: a randomized controlled trial.
J Perinatol 2016;
36:210-5. [PMID:
26658121 PMCID:
PMC4770056 DOI:
10.1038/jp.2015.184]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to determine if a novel feeding system where milk only flowed when the preterm infant created a vacuum would influence time to full oral feeds, the length of stay (LOS) in hospital and breastfeeding at discharge.
STUDY DESIGN
This was a randomized controlled trial in the tertiary neonatal intensive care unit at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia. Eligibility criteria were: preterm infants of gestational age 25 to 34 weeks receiving >75% human milk by gastric tube. Infants were randomly assigned to being fed with a novel teat (NT) or conventional teat (CT). Intention to treat analysis was performed.
RESULT
Time to full suck feeds was not different between groups. LOS was shorter (mean: 2.5 days; P=0.026) and less formula was fed at discharge in the NT group (P=0.036).
CONCLUSION
Use of a NT that releases milk when the infant applies vacuum while establishing breastfeeding reduces duration of hospitalization of preterm infants.
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