Effects of breastfeeding and bottle feeding as the initial oral feeding on physiological parameters and feeding performance in preterm infants: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Objectives Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are frequently used in preterm infants' transition to oral feeding, but there has been limited research regarding which has more favorable effects on the infant when initiating oral feeding. This study aimed to compare breastfeeding by the mother and bottle feeding as the initial oral feeding method on preterm infants' physiological parameters, amount of food taken, and feeding performance. Methods This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with a sample of 90 preterm infants. Half of the infants were breastfed by their mothers, and half were bottle-fed in line with clinical routine practice for their first oral feeding in the transition from gastric feeding. Oxygen saturation and heart rate before, during, and after feeding, weight before and after feeding, and feeding performance were evaluated and compared between the groups. Results Oxygen saturation increased and heart rate decreased during feeding in breastfed infants, while bottle-fed infants showed a decrease in oxygen saturation and an increase in heart rate (p < 0.05 for both). The change in weight after feeding (used to assess the amount of food taken) was greater in the breastfed infants (38.67 +/- 8.15 g) than the bottle-fed infants (32.82 +/- 7.21 g) (p < 0.05). The breastfeeding group also had a higher mean percentage of recommended food taken (91.64% +/- 6.53% vs. 85.14% +/- 5.76%, p < 0.05) and higher feeding efficiency rate (2.79 +/- 0.79 vs. 2.32 +/- 0.79 mL/min, p < 0.05). Conclusions Preterm infants whose oral feeding was initiated by breastfeeding with their mothers showed more favorable physiological responses and better feeding performance compared to those fed with a bottle. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05651035. Clinical Trials URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05651035?cond=NCT05651035&rank=1