Pediatria pre prax 3/2019
Feeding problems in prematurely born children
Feeding problems are estimated to occur in up to 25 % of otherwise healthy children below 3 years of age. In preterm infants feeding problems occur in 40 %, in patients with neurological impairments up to 80 %. Problems with feeding may lead to significant negative nutritional, developmental and psychological sequelae. For parents who often make mistakes during feeding of their infants this situation is very frustrating and for the child it is a source of anxiety. Especially preterm infants of < 28 weeks gestational age with prolonged ventilatory support, and with specific aero-digestive co-morbidities, have problems with oral feeding. Disturbed coordination of sucking, swallowing and breathing has extremely negative impact on their normal development. Several interventions are recommended to solve this problem, starting in the first days at the NICU, such as proper positioning with minimal handling together with oral motor interventions (nonnutritive sucking, oral stimulation, oral support, etc.). A multidisciplinary approach with support of a speech therapist should be used to treat young children’s feeding problems as early as possible. Universal rules of feeding should be incorporated in the feeding styles of caregivers (responsive, controlling, indulgent, and neglectful) and the process of feeding.
Keywords: feeding problems, prematurity, co-morbidity, preventive interventions
