Feeding outcomes of extremely premature infants after neonatal care.
Feeding is a primary concern for families of extremely preterm (EP) infants following discharge from neonatal care. An increasing number of EP children are being referred for treatment of feeding problems, including eating only a few types of food or very small portions, difficulty transitioning to textured foods, and refusing food. These issues have the potential for significant consequences for the children's growth and development as well as their family's well-being. An understanding of the kinds of feeding problems faced by families of EP infants can help nurses guide families to be ready for and respond to these issues. In this article, the evidence for and the nature of feeding problems in EP children after discharge from neonatal care are examined.
Thoyre
Suzanne M
SM
School of Nursing, Carrington Hall, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7460, USA. thoyre@email.unc.edu
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D052577:Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods*; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018529:Nutritional Support / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome