The Effects of Oral Feeding Methods in Preterm Infants on Transition to Direct-Breastfeeding and Discharge Time: A Retrospective Cohort Design

Abstract

BackgroundThe most common alternatives in feeding preterm infants are bottle feeding and cup feeding. However, there is no clear and precise clinical evidence to show the superiority of a single method. New studies are needed to eliminate confusion on this subject.AimThe effects of oral feeding methods on the transition to direct-breastfeeding and length of stay in preterm infants.MethodsThis retrospective study was carried out in a single NICU. Data was collected from the digital records and explored the effects of bottle feeding and cup feeding. One hundred fifty-eight preterm infants (30–34 weeks) met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-eight of them were bottle-fed, and eighty of them were cup-fed.ResultsStatistical analysis (Mann-Whitney U test and t-test) has shown that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (bottle & cup) in terms of transition to direct-breastfeeding and length of hospital stay (p > .05).ConclusionsAs a result of the current study, both feeding methods are equally effective and can be used as alternative oral feeding methods.