Oral Sensorimotor Intervention Enhances Breastfeeding Establishment in Preterm Infants.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of an oral sensorimotor intervention on breastfeeding establishment and maintenance in preterm infants.

Study Design: Thirty-one preterm infants born ≤34 weeks gestation were randomized into an experimental or control group. The experimental group received a 15-minute program consisting of stroking the peri-oral structures for the first 5 minutes, tongue exercises for the next 5 minutes, followed by non-nutritive sucking for the final 5 minutes.