Comparison of morning and afternoon feedings in very low birth weight infants

Shyang Yun Pamela K. Shiao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare sucking and breathing rhythmicity in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW, < 1,500 g) infants during morning feedings and afternoon feedings. Nine infants were fed at 9 a.m., and nine at 3 p.m. Eight morning-fed infants and 8 afternoon-fed infants had a continuous sucking (CS) period at the beginning of the feeding; 9 morning-and 8 afternoon-fed infants had an intermittent sucking (IS) period during which sucking bursts alternated with sucking pauses. Morning-fed infants had a lower respiratory rate during CS (p < 1) and IS (p < 05), a greater decrease in minute ventilation from the prefeed period to the CS period (p < 05), and lower sucking pressure during IS (p < 05) than afternoon-fed infants. Breathing and sucking rhythmicity scores were calculated as an indicator of the coordination of sucking and breathing. Morning-fed infants had lower scores than afternoon-fed infants (p < 05). These findings suggest that morning feedings are more difficult than afternoon feedings for VLBW infants and point to the need for further studies to compare morning and afternoon feedings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)43-53
Number of pages11
JournalIssues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics

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