Bottle-feeding challenges in preterm-born infants in the first 7 months of life

This study involved data from 625 infants less than 7 months old. In this study, we found that infants born very preterm (< 32 weeks gestation) had more symptoms of problematic feeding as measured by the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool – Bottle-feeding (NeoEAT – Bottle-feeding) than infants born at later gestational ages. Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, gastroesophageal reflux, and anomalies of the face and mouth were associated with problematic feeding, even when degree of prematurity was taken into account. Infants born prior to 32 weeks and infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, gastroesophageal reflux, and anomalies of the face and mouth should be considered at risk for problematic feeding and be monitored/screened closely. Early referral to feeding specialists should be considered to support these infants as their feeding continues to develop through infancy.

Authors: Rebecca Hill, Jinhee Park, & Britt Pados

Publication information: Global Pediatric Health. 2020; 7: 1-14. doi: 10.1177/2333794X20952688

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