Impact of Routine Versus Random Pacifier Use on Feeding Skills and Hospital Outcomes in Clinically Stable Preterm Infants

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different pacifier-use strategies on feeding maturity in preterm infants. The study aims to compare routine 5-minute pacifier use before each feeding with random 30-minute pacifier use at any time of day, regardless of feeding. The purpose is to understand how these methods influence feeding development, discharge weight, hospital stay length, and gestational age at discharge in these infants. The trial has two groups one where newborns receive a pacifier for 5 minutes before each feeding routine group and another where newborns receive a pacifier for 30 minutes at random times based on infant cues control group. Feeding methods and amounts are determined by physicians following newborn nursing protocols. Feeding maturity will be assessed weekly using a feeding monitor throughout the study. Participants will be monitored from the start of oral feeding until hospital discharge, with weekly assessments for up to 6 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in feeding maturity, body weight from total oral feeding initiation to discharge, length of hospital stay, and gestational age at discharge. The average observation periods include about 5 weeks for weight change and 15 weeks for hospital stay, with discharge occurring around 37 weeks postmenstrual age.

Feeding Maturity in Preterm Infants