Behavioral state and the premature’s readiness performance to begin oral feeding

Cristina Ide Fujinaga,Suzelaine Taize Stadler,Sidelisa Aguiar,Sabrina Maltauro,Nelma Ellen Zamberlan Amorin,Cleomara Mocelin Salla,Eleidiele Rosa Cheffer

doi:10.1590/1982-021620182015317

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the influence of behavioral states on the readiness of the premature infant to initiate breastfeeding. Methods: the study was transversal, observational and descriptive with 51 premature infants, attended at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), from a Baby-Friendly Hospital. The infants were evaluated using the "Preterm Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale". The evaluation occurred close to the feeding time and was performed in preterm infants in two behavioral states, in deep sleep and alertness. Thus, preterm infants were self-controlled. For the data analysis, the T-Test and the McNemar Test were applied, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: there was a statistically significant difference in the behavior of premature infants in alert behavior and deep sleep. In the alert state, preterm infants showed greater readiness for oral feeding in the breast. The results highlight the importance of the behavioral state of prematurity for professionals working in NICUs. Conclusion: the behavioral state influences the beginning of premature infant feeding. The alertness behavioral status of premature infants is essential during neonatal speech therapy assistence.

Highlights

Breastfeeding is the most effective and efficient way to promote maternal and child health and its benefits are widely reported in the literature[1]
The initiation of breastfeeding in preterm infants is determined by isolated physical criteria, such as weight or gestational age, which do not represent the readiness of the preterm infant to start oral feeding[4]
The following are the Preterm Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale” (POFRAS) items obtained by premature infants during the deep and alert sleep state

Summary

Introduction

Breastfeeding is the most effective and efficient way to promote maternal and child health and its benefits are widely reported in the literature[1]. The promotion of breastfeeding occupies a prominent position in policies and initiatives dedicated to improving newborn care and maternal and child health, especially for preterm infants[2]. The initiation of breastfeeding in preterm infants is determined by isolated physical criteria, such as weight or gestational age, which do not represent the readiness of the preterm infant to start oral feeding[4]. In this sense, the “Preterm Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale” (POFRAS) was developed, which is divided into categories: corrected age, state of behavioral organization, oral posture, oral reflexes and non-nutritive sucking. In the evaluation is given a score of 0 to 2 for each item of each category, and at the end of it, the sum can vary from 0 to 36 points[5]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion