Cup vs. Bottle Feeding for Preterm Infants
Author Information
Author(s): Abouelfettoh Amel M, Dowling Donna A, Dabash Soheir A, Elguindy Shadia R, Seoud Iman A
Primary Institution: Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University
Hypothesis
Are premature infants supplemented by cup during hospitalization more likely to be fully breastfed six weeks after discharge compared to those supplemented by bottle?
Conclusion
Cup fed infants were more exclusively breastfed one week after discharge, supporting the use of cup feeding for preterm infants.
Supporting Evidence
- Cup fed infants had a higher proportion of breast feedings one week after discharge.
- Cup feeding is recommended by the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.
- Infants in the cup feeding group demonstrated more mature breastfeeding behaviors over six weeks.
Takeaway
Using a cup to feed babies instead of a bottle helps them breastfeed better after they leave the hospital.
Methodology
A quasi-experimental design with a control group was used to compare cup feeding and bottle feeding in preterm infants during hospitalization.
Potential Biases
The principal investigator collected all data, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study could not use randomization due to potential bias, and long-term documentation of breastfeeding practices was not feasible.
Participant Demographics
Participants were late preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 35.13 weeks and mean birth weight of 2150 grams.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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