Supporting A Preterm Infant's Behaviour During Breastfeeding: A Case Report

Abstract

Preterm infants present a special challenge to lactation consultants because of their high reactivity to stimuli from their physical and social environment, low muscle tone, and limited extent of awake, alert behavior. In a descriptive case report, a girl at an age corresponding to a gestational age of 29 weeks was observed during a breastfeeding session according to the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP). Recommendations, based on her behavioral responses, were given to her mother. In an observation two days later, she showed more wakefulness and more efficient sucking. General recommendations are offered for support of preterm infants' behavior during breastfeeding. The NIDCAP structure is advocated as a mental checklist for breastfeeding assessment and advice.