Investigating the Developmental Trajectory of Long-term Oral Feeding Problems in ‘Healthy’ Preterm Infants

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To investigate the occurrence of oral feeding problems in preterm infants up to one year after hospital discharge.

Methods

Thirty-six infants born <34 weeks gestation were enrolled in a prospective exploratory longitudinal pilot study prior to hospital discharge. Parents of eligible infants completed telephone questionnaires at 3, 6, and 12 months corrected gestational age. The occurrence and type of feeding problems; medical problems; and rehabilitation services received were collected.

Results

A total of 26 (72.2%) parents responded, with 11 (42%) identifying feeding problems that developed within the first year of life. Avoidant behavior (including crying, agitated/fussy, and refusing to eat) was the most common feeding problem that occurred.

Conclusion

Feeding problems in ‘healthy’ preterm infants may occur at any point in development within the first year of life. Increased screening after hospitalization is needed for early identification and to make appropriate referrals in a timely manner to prevent and/or reduce the severity of long-term feeding problems.

KEYWORDS:

• Infant
• infant feeding
• long-term feeding problems
• oral feeding
• post discharge
• premature

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.