Methods of enteral feeding in preterm infants.
Whenever possible, oral feeding is the preferred method in neonatal feeding. However, many premature infants are unable to suck and swallow effectively; in these cases alternative methods of nutrient delivery must be used. We briefly review the different feeding methods used in neonatal units, with particular attention to their theoretical advantages, disadvantages and to the current best evidence available.
Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Catholic University Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. luca.maggio@fastwebnet.it
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D001903:Bottle Feeding; D001942:Breast Feeding; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods; D013391:Sucking Behavior