Journal of Neonatal Nursing
Volume 17, Issue 4 , Pages 150-157, August 2011

Relationship of behavioral state and tube-feeding to non-nutritive sucking in premature infants

  • Peter M. Bingham

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology & Pediatrics, University of Vermont/Fletcher Allen Health Care, 1 South Prospect, UHC-Arnold 2434, Burlington VT 05401, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1 802 847 3749; fax: +1 802 847 4190.
    • ,
  • Taka Ashikaga

      Affiliations

    • Department of Bioinformatics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05401, United States
    • ,
  • Soraya Abbasi

      Affiliations

    • University of Pennsylvania, CHOP Newborn Care at Pennsylvania Hospital, 800 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States

published online 01 September 2010.

Abstract 

Purpose

Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) has developmental benefits for premature infants, yet little is known about how behavior state or feeding conditions affect this behavior. We examined how NNS varies in amount and organization in relation to (1) behavioral state and (2) tube-feeding conditions.

Design

Ten-minute observations of NNS together with behavioral state assessment, prior to and during tube-feeding. Analyze quantitative and qualitative NNS measures from digital records in relation to behavioral and feeding conditions via repeated measures ANOVA.

Sample

Premature infants (n=56), 30.7±2.1 weeks gestational age at birth, 32–34 weeks postmenstrual age when studied.

Results

Increased arousal correlated with increased, more mature patterns of NNS activity. Surprisingly, tube-feeding was associated with reduced amount, and simpler patterns, of NNS activity, although burst length, and the quality of suck waves, were maintained. These results inform continuing efforts in the NICU to assess and encourage NNS.

Keywords: Premature infant, Tube-feeding, Feeding behavior, Behavioral state, Non-nutritive sucking

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PII: S1355-1841(10)00191-2

doi:10.1016/j.jnn.2010.07.023

Journal of Neonatal Nursing
Volume 17, Issue 4 , Pages 150-157, August 2011

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