title: OC24 - An algorithm proposal to oral feeding in premature infants.
abstract: Theme: Transition of care.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Oral feeding is one of the hardest steps for premature infants after respiratory independence and is a challenge for nurses in neonatology.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To know the characteristics of preterm infants, essential for oral feeding; to know the nurses' opinion on nursing interventions, that promote the transition of gavage feeding for oral feeding in preterm infants.
  
  
  METHODS
  An exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach was used. Semi-structured interviews with neonatal nurses were conducted and data was submitted to content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Weight, gestational age, physiological stability, sucking coordination, swallowing and breathing, and the overall look and feeding involvement are fundamental parameters to begin oral feeding. Positioning the baby, reflexes stimulation, control stress levels, monitoring the temperature and the milk flow are nursing interventions that promote the development of feeding skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An algorithm for the oral feeding of preterm infants was developed grounded in the opinions of nurses.
authors.affiliation: ICBAS - Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal.
authors.forename: Florbela
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Neto
authors.affiliation: ESEP - Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ana Paula
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: França
authors.affiliation: ESEP - Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cruz
keywords: nursing interventions; premature feeding skills; sucking; swallowing.