COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. medical scientists say they have defined the feeding milestones that lead to an infant's transition to oral feeding, based on gestational age.
The researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, said their findings shed new light on feeding challenges often faced by premature infants. Although the prevalence of this disorder is well recognized, the feeding milestones for infants have not been well described. The new study defines those feeding milestones and explains other coexisting disorders affecting feeding.
"Feeding problems are an important area of neonatal (the first month after birth) morbidity that requires attention, said Dr. Sudarshan Jadcherla, the study's lead author. "It worries both parents and caregivers, and prolongs the length of hospitalization which escalates the cost of medical care."
The scientists said they found infants less than 28 weeks gestational age had significant feeding delays and stayed in the hospital for a prolonged period of time. Infants born after 28 weeks gestational age attained successful feeding milestones at a similar postmenstrual age.
The study also found airway and digestive morbidities significantly affected the oral feeding milestone.
"Knowledge of these facts paves the way for anticipatory guidance to care providers and helps in the development of higher quality feeding plans," Jadcherla said.
The research appears in the online edition of The Journal of Perinatology.
