Non-nutritive Sucking and Breastfeeding in Preterm Infants

Infant Development Clinical Trial

Official title: Effect of Non-nutritive Sucking on the Breast to Enhance Breastfeeding in Infants Who Are Born Prematurely

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The main objective of this study is to assess whether non-nutritive sucking on an emptied breast will lead to more success with direct breastfeeding than non-nutritive sucking on a pacifier in preterm infants.

Clinical Trial Description

Breast milk is vital in the nourishment of premature infants. Early interventions which focus on enhancing infants' oral motor skills required for breastfeeding are needed. There is very limited evidence on early interventions aimed at maintaining rudimentary sucking skills needed for breastfeeding in this high risk population. The main objective of this study is to assess whether non-nutritive sucking on an emptied breast will enhance breast feeding performance in preterm infants.

The target population will consist of clinically stable preterm infants born less born less than or equal to 34 weeks gestational age and whose mother's intention are to breastfeed. Infants will be randomized into the non-nutritive sucking on emptied breast or pacifier group. Both interventions will be administered by mothers. Time to transition to full oral feeding, breastfeeding acquisition at hospital discharge and breastfeeding duration at six months of age will be monitored. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Birth Weight
• Infant Development
• Infant, Very Low Birth Weight
• Infant,Premature

• NCT number: NCT03434743
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Queen's University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: July 28, 2017
• Completion date: June 30, 2019