Oromotor intervention as a method to improve transition from gavage to full katori spoon feeding in preterm newborns: An open label randomised control trial

Preterm infants on gavage feeding encounter difficulties during their transition to direct oral feeds, which prolongs their hospital stay. The objectives of our study was to compare the transition time from gavage feeding to full katori spoon feeding in oromotor intervention (OMI) and control groups with feeding efficiency and milk volume transfer. An open labelled randomised control trial (RCT) was conducted. The new-born was followed up till reaching full katori spoon feeding. The mean transition time was shorter in the intervention group. Mean weight gain and mean length of stay in intervention group was improved compared to control. We concluded that OMI leads to shortened transition time to reach full katori spoon feeds and better feeding performance in the form of volume transfer and feeding efficiency.