A descriptive evaluation of early feeding development of infants in a local neonatal unit

Purpose: A local neonatal unit undertook a descriptive evaluation of feeding development of infants receiving care so as to identify and maximise effective neonatal team care and support. Method: A retrospective data review examined infant feeding development from one local neonatal unit. Data were stratified according to gestational birth age and included infant health, post – menstrual age on introduction of oral feeding, oral feeding progression, method of feeding and re-admission to hospital in the first 12 months of life. Results: A total of 150 infants met the criteria for inclusion in this retrospective review. Infants ranged in age from 23(+0) – 42(+2) gestational birth ages. Number of days on the neonatal unit ranged from 1 to 159 (mean = 25.87) days. Extremely preterm (EPT) infants experienced a significantly longer stay on the neonatal unit, had the highest number of respiratory problems, took significantly longer to achieve full oral feeding and tended to start oral feeding at a significantly later post - menstrual age compared with other infants. A high number of infants needed to access acute services post - discharge from the neonatal unit. Conclusions: All infants regardless of gestational birth age were at risk of developing feeding problems and hospital re-admissions post neonatal discharge. EPT infants were significantly vulnerable to poor feeding outcomes. Parent and team working is necessary to identify and support complex infants.