Research Question
How often do premature infants with nasogastric tube feedings finally become breastfed?
Identification of population
The objective of the research is to undertake comparative studies of nasogastric and breastfeeding methods as two complementary methods of feeding premature babies and to take adequate steps to wean infants away from tube feeding to an established breastfeeding regime. (Transitioning preterm infants with nasogastric tube supplementation: Increased likelihood of breastfeeding, 2009). The population would be newborn infants in state and private nursing care centers. In the randomized survey conducted, 84 premature infants with birth weights between 1 kg to 2.5 kgs were taken as participants.
It was seen during the course of the research that when compared to infants being bottle-fed, tube fed, premature infants created more chances for breastfeeding in the time span of 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months period after discharge.
“Odds ratios (confidence intervals = 95%)showed that the group receiving nasogastric supplements was 4.5 times (1.4 to 15) more likely to be breastfed at discharge and 9.4 times more likely to be fully breastfed (3.1 to 28.4).” (Kliethermes et al., 1999).
Variables in the research study:
The expertise of the midwifery processes and the careers are important considerations for the success of this study. Besides, there needs to be physical closeness between mother and child during the process.
Types of data (Qualitative and Quantitative necessary to answer the question):
Both qualitative and quantitative data are needed. It is also necessary to have the quantitative details of terms of premature newborns, birth weight, type of delivery- Caesarean section or normal, etc.
Performance of search for the evidence
It was observed during the course of the research that when compared to infants being bottle-fed, tube fed, premature infants created more chances for breastfeeding in different time span after discharge.
“Odds ratios (confidence intervals = 95%)showed that the group receiving nasogastric supplements was 4.5 times (1.4 to 15) more likely to be breastfed at discharge and 9.4 times more likely to be fully breastfed (3.1 to 28.4).” (Transitioning preterm infants with nasogastric tube supplementation: Increased likelihood of breastfeeding, 2009).
Conclusion
It is seen through the deliberations of research that using a nasogastric tube is a better option than bottle-feeding and enhances the chances of breastfeeding the preterm infant at discharge, as long as required parameters are adhered to.
However, it is necessary that further study should explore differences in the implications of it on mothers’ confidence levels, imprinting, and suck mechanism when preterm infants are bottle-fed and breastfed. (Kliethermes et al., 1999).
References
- Kliethermes, PA., et al. (1999). Transitioning preterm infants with nasogastric tube supplementation: increased likelihood of breastfeeding. NCBI: Pub Med. Web.
- Transitioning preterm infants with nasogastric tube supplementation: Increased likelihood of breastfeeding. (2009). Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 28(3), 264-273. Wiley Interscience.
- Transitioning preterm infants with nasogastric tube supplementation: Increased likelihood of breastfeeding: Abstract. (2009). Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 28(3), 264-273. Wiley Interscience.