Transition from catheter feeding to oral feeding and breastfeeding of neonates in NICU

Abstract

With increasing survival rates among preterm neonates, reducing morbidity and better long-term prognosis have become a priority. Thus, feeding is of utmost importance in the health care and development of the neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The aim of this literature review was a brief analysis of the transition steps from catheter feeding to oral feeding and breastfeeding of preterm neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Data were collected through the review of the literature from the databases (Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, and Crossref). Based on the collected data on an international level, some techniques rely on the specificity of each population and require adaptation to the data of each Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In any case, the correct application of the protocols by all NICU health professionals, aims at the proper nutritional transition and installation of oral nutrition, including breastfeeding.