Oral–Motor Function and Feeding Intervention

ABSTRACT

This article presents the elements of the Oral Motor Intervention section of the Infant Care Path for Physical Therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The types of physical therapy interventions presented in this path are evidence based as well as infant driven and family focused. In the context of anticipated maturation of suck–swallow–breathe coordination, the timing and methods for initiation of oral feedings and transition from gavage to full breast or bottle-feedings are presented with supporting evidence.

KEYWORDS. :

• preterm infant
• evidence-based practice
• neonatal oral feeding
• oral motor interventions

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

June Garber, PT, MACT, is a Senior Physical Therapist working in the Neonatal Special Care Nurseries at Emory University Hospital Midtown and Grady Memorial Hospital as well as Professor Emerita at Emory University, School of Medicine Division of Physical Therapy, Atlanta, GA.