Methods of enteral feeding in preterm infants

L Maggio; S Costa; C Zecca; L Giordano

doi:10.1016/S0378-3782(12)70011-7

Methods of enteral feeding in preterm infants

Early Hum Dev. 2012 May:88 Suppl 2:S31-3. doi: 10.1016/S0378-3782(12)70011-7.

Authors

L Maggio¹, S Costa, C Zecca, L Giordano

Affiliation

¹ Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Catholic University Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. [email protected]

PMID: 22633510
DOI: 10.1016/S0378-3782(12)70011-7

Abstract

Whenever possible, oral feeding is the preferred method in neonatal feeding. However, many premature infants are unable to suck and swallow effectively; in these cases alternative methods of nutrient delivery must be used. We briefly review the different feeding methods used in neonatal units, with particular attention to their theoretical advantages, disadvantages and to the current best evidence available.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Bottle Feeding
Breast Feeding
Enteral Nutrition / methods*
Humans
Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature*
Intensive Care, Neonatal / methods
Sucking Behavior*