Oral feeding transition in preterm infants in a Child-Friendly Hospital

Objective: To characterize the transition from oral gastric feeding related to: maturity and weight of premature babies, methods and techniques of administration and, duration of the transition to only oral feeding. Methods: This is a retrospective study of data gathered in records of 116 infants attended in intensive care units and neonatal intermediate in a university hospital in Ribeirao Preto-SP. Results: The mean-corrected of gestational age was 36 weeks at the start of oral feeding and 37 weeks when the supply came entirely by the oral route. The average weight was 1,743 grams at the start of oral feeding and 1,934 grams when the food came entirely by the oral route. During the transition period were used one or more means of milk administration. The use of forced feeding in conjunction with other techniques (89.5%) predominated, this was complemented by breast feeding and milk bottle (56.9%); the duration of feeding transition ranged from less than I day to 47 days. Conclusion: The maturity and birth weight, in addition to the clinical conditions from these variables, can interfere in the process of milk feeding transition in preterm babies. Considering the advantages of breastfeeding, the practice should be initiated as early as possible in this risk population segment.