The Impact of Infant and Maternal Factors on Oral Feeding Performance in Premature Infants

Abstract

Aims: To identify infant and maternal factors associated with attainment of full oral feeding (FOF) in premature infants.

Method: A retrospective study was performed on 89 premature infants (<34 weeks gestational age) from a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Infant and maternal factors were concurrently assessed. Infant factors included gestational age, birthweight, continuous positive airway pressure assistance, mechanical ventilation support, and presence of neonatal morbidities including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and intraventricular hemorrhages (IVH). Maternal factors included maternal age, first born, twin birth, and presence of mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, or depression.

Results: A total of 89 premature infants were included in the sample. A stepwise linear regression model revealed that infants who received mechanical ventilator support and presence of maternal mental health conditions were significantly associated with time to attain FOF.

Conclusions: Results suggest that oral feeding performance is influenced not only by infant’s medical severity denoted by need for ventilator assistance, but also by presence of maternal anxiety, stress, and/or depression.

KEYWORDS:

• Infant factors
• maternal factors
• oral feeding
• premature

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Hailey Muir, masters students at Queens University studying occupational therapy.

Miriam Kidanemariam, masters students at Queens University studying occupational therapy.

Dr. Sandra Fucile is an Assistant Professor at the School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University. Her research interest is enhancing the function, development and quality of life of infants who are born prematurely.