Feeding pattern in preterm neonates admitted in neonatology unit: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Background: The components of breast feeding including sucking, swallowing, and breathing, develop at different gestational ages, and are incomplete in preterm. Other modes of feeding like nasogastric/orogastric and cup are used till matured breast feeding skills appear. Material and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done over a period of 1 year with objectives to observe the different feeding patterns in the preterm neonates, assess the time required to start feeding from the day of admission, and observe the time taken for transition from one feeding pattern to another feeding pattern. A total of 116 admitted preterm neonates born less than 34 weeks were included. The ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained. The time of admission, the duration between the time of admission and start of feeding, type of feeding, mode of feeding, and progression of feeding from one mode to another was noted, and appropriate statistical analysis done. Results: Cup feeding (57.8%) was the most common mode of starting of feeding followed by orogastric feeding (42.2%). Mothers breast milk was the most common feed. The median duration of starting of feed from the day of admission was 2 days. The time gap between day of admission and starting of orogastric feed and cup feeding were 2 days and 5 days, respectively. The median time taken for transition from orogastric feed to cup feed and from cup feed to mothers breast feed was 5 days and 6 days, respectively. Babies with a higher age at starting of feeding took significantly lesser time to transit from cup feeding to mother’s breast feeding (P=0.01). Babies with Respiratory Distress Syndrome had a significantly higher transit time from orogastric feeding to cup feeding (P<0.001). Conclusion: The rate of advancement of feed depends on maturation of feeding skills, gestational age, birth weight, presence of comorbidities, and nursing care.