Effect of abdominal massaging on Progression to full oral feeding in Preterm infants - one year hospital Based observational study

Abstract

Background : In preterm infants, one of the limiting factors for early discharge is the inability to feed adequately to gain weight consistently. One of the most important problems preterm babies encounter is feeding difficulty. These result from incomplete oral structural development, as well as issues with their cardiorespiratory and central neurological systems. Hospital stays are prolonged and costs are increased when oral feeding is difficult. Evidence-based interventions which facilitate development of oral motor skills are required in order to improve oral feeding, reduce hospital stays, and minimize the costs.The purpose of this study was to test whether abdominal massage therapy, provided before feeding would result in shorter transition time from gavage to full oral feedings, weight gain and shorter duration of hospital stay.