Comparison of Sucking Pattern in Premature Infants With Different Feeding Methods.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sucking pattern of preterm infants on different feeding methods. METHODS: The sucking behavior on a gloved finger was evaluated for infants receiving breastfeeding, spoon-feeding and tube-feeding. RESULTS: The mean (SD) numbers of sucks in spoon-fed infants [49 (20) vs. 35 (23); P=0.04] were significantly higher, and the grade of suck was significantly better compared to the tube-fed group. The mean (SD) number of sucks was significantly higher [83 (30) vs. 49 (20), P<0.001] in breastfed infants compared to spoon-fed infants; all infants on breast feeds had grade 2 suction. CONCLUSION: The sucking behavior varies between tube-fed, spoon-fed, and breastfed preterm infant.