Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships:
Barbara ORourke, RN NICU: Disclosure information not submitted.
This project was prompted by a moment that changed the feeding culture of our NICU. Premature infants routinely experience invasive oral procedures during a critical time of structural differentiation of the brain that may have a negative impact on oral sensory and oral motor function. The transition from gavage feedings is often challenging, with many infants staying longer in the NICU to achieve oral feeding competence. This important and exciting research resulted in the most significant difference in length of stay being seen in the smallest and most fragile of infants.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, the learner will be able to:
Discuss how NICU procedures such as taping, intubation, suctioning, and oral care may negatively impact feeding development.
List major developmental reasons why premature infants are at increased risk when they receive negative oral experiences.
.jpg "Barbara ORourke, RN NICU photo")