Provision of positive oral experiences for premature infants by offering milk drops: A clinical practice change initiative

Barbara ORourke, Kristy Fuller, Leslie A. Parker, Tiffany A. Moore

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The objective of this clinical practice change was to provide positive oral experiences to premature infants by offering droplets of human milk or formula orally during gavage feedings, subsequently referred to as the Milk Drop Intervention. Method: This pre- and post-implementation quasi-experimental study included a total of 198 premature infants born at 24 to 33 + 6 weeks' gestation. Outcomes measured included average length of stay and adjusted cost differences. Parental perception and comments were also recorded. Results: Nine of ten intervention groups had a shorter average length of stay, with the intervention group overall having a significantly shorter average length of stay (p = 0.004). Adjusted cost savings for the intervention group was over $663,000. The intervention also provided an opportunity for parents to observe their infant's response to the milk drops, which formed a foundation to understanding cue-based feeding. Conclusion: Offering milk drops during gavage feedings is a simple, low-cost, intervention that may provide positive oral experiences for the smallest and most fragile of premature infants.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of Neonatal Nursing
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2022

Keywords

  • Breast milk
  • Length of stay
  • Negative oral experiences
  • Neurodevelopment
  • Non-nutritive sucking
  • Oral feeding readiness
  • Positive oral experiences
  • Preterm infants
  • Very low birth weight

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics

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