ObjectiveTo investigate the role of gravity feeding combined with oral motor interventions (OMIs) in oral feeding of preterm infants.

MethodsSixty preterm infants were randomly divided into the observation group and control group, 30 cases in each group.The control group was treated with conventional tube feeding and injection feeding, and the observation group was treated with gravity feeding combined with 5 min OMIs.The two groups were treated with the self-created atmospheric pressure suction method.The critical time point of oral feeding, the incidence of feeding intolerance, the increase of body mass, and the scores of ready oral feeding were compared between the two groups.

ResultsThe first oral feeding gestational age, complete oral feeding gestational age, complete oral feeding weight and discharge weight in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and the feeding transition time was shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.01).On 14 and 21 days after the intervention, the observation group had higher scores in preparing for oral feeding than the control group (P < 0.01).At each time point before and after intervention, scores in both groups showed an upward trend with time increase (P < 0.01).The incidence of vomiting and milk volume in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01).

ConclusionsGravity feeding combined with 5 min OMIs can promote premature infants to achieve complete oral feeding earlier and reduce the rate of feeding intolerance.