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Feeding preterm infants: Application of developmental care

Journal article published in 2012 by Chen-Hsiu Lin, Ying-Ju Chang, Chia-Ni Lin, Mei-Chih Huang
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Preprint: policy unknown
Question mark in circle
Postprint: policy unknown
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Published version: policy unknown

Abstract

Developmental care is the core concept of the preterm infant caring model. It is characterized by interaction, individualization, and evolving process. In order to enhance family competency with regard to preterm infant care, health professionals should include parents as team members when preterm infants are hospitalized so that parents can provide care helpful to facilitate preterm infant adaptation to external environmental stimulation. The preterm infant's 6-8 feedings per day represent the most frequent daily activity and an activity in which safety is essential. Potential adverse feeding responses in preterm infants such as tachypnea, cyanosis, and fatigue may stress the mother. This is a particular risk when the mother tries to increase her infant's intake volume by over-stimulating oral-motor activity. Theories and guidelines for feeding preterm infants in western societies have been evolving since the 1980s. However, little has been done in this area in Taiwan. This article addresses preterm infant feeding characteristics and cues, the application of developmental care in feeding infants, and proposes guidelines for feeding preterm infants. Healthcare professionals may reference our suggestions in feeding preterm infants and educating parents.