Oromotor Stimulation: Augmenting Oro Motor Skills and Function in A Preterm Neonate

Abstract

Preterm infants frequently experience extended hospitalizations in the NICU, with oral feeding often being the final criterion for discharge. This delay in achieving oral feeding is a significant challenge, as preterm infants miss out on the in-utero motor practice of swallowing amniotic fluid, which is crucial for developing feeding skills. Additionally, these infants are born with underdeveloped physiological systems and oral structures, further hindering their ability to feed efficiently. Due to these developmental limitations, the transition to full oral feeding can be a complex and time-consuming process. As a result, the duration of NICU stays is often prolonged, impacting both the infants and their families. Implementing standardized pre-feeding oral motor protocols, such as Oromotor stimulation and pacifier sucking, has been shown to enhance feeding efficiency, shorten the time needed to transition to full oral feeding, and reduce overall hospital stay duration.