Purpose: There continues to be controversy concerning the best method for supplementation of hospitalized preterm infants whose mothers wish to breastfeed. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of using cup feeding versus bottle feeding for the supplementation of breastfeeding on frequency and duration of breastfeeding for preterm infants. Theoretical Framework: Watson’s Learning Model hypothesizes that the frequency of performing a behavior increases learning the behavior. Consequently, infants who experience one method of oral feeding (bottle) during hospitalization may have more difficulty learning a new oral feeding behavior (breastfeeding) after discharge. Subjects: A convenience sample of 60 singleton preterm infants between 34 and 37 weeks’ gestational age at birth whose mothers intended to breastfeed were recruited from two neonatal intensive care units at Cairo University Pediatric Hospital. Exclusion criteria included oxygen dependence or any condition interfering with oral feeding. Method: A quasi-experimental cohort design was used, with the control group (n=30) studied first. Control group infants received only bottle feedings to supplement breastfeeding during hospitalization. The experimental group (n=30) was studied after data collection for the control group was completed; these infants received only cup feedings to supplement breastfeeding during hospitalization. During hospitalization frequency of breastfeeding, bottle feedings and cup feedings, as well as volume of intake, were measured. All infants were followed weekly after discharge to three months of age to determine breastfeeding frequency and duration. Data Analysis: Data are currently being analyzed using appropriate parametric and nonparametric statistical procedures to test for differences between the bottle feeding and cup feeding groups on breastfeeding outcomes. Conclusions: The findings of this study will contribute to nursing knowledge concerning the management of supplementation of breastfeeding for preterm infants. Improving the duration of breastfeeding for preterm infants will contribute to their long-term health.
Session #1219 - Poster Session I
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)