Lactation Support Services in Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Canada.

Introduction: Lactation support services can improve exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). There are limited data on how many NICUs offer these services.

Objective: To assess prevalence and type of lactation services provided in level III Canadian NICUs.

Longitudinal outcomes of a parent-administered sensorimotor intervention in preterm infants at 4 and 18 months.

Purpose: Despite the increasing focus on early parent-delivered interventions in neonatal intensive care units to enhance infant development, there remains a research gap concerning the sustained benefits of such interventions in preterm infants. This study evaluated the impact of the parent-administered sensorimotor intervention (PASI) on developmental outcomes of infants previously enrolled in a randomized clinical trial (RCT).

Method: A prospective longitudinal follow-up study following the RCT at 4 and 18 months corrected gestational age (CGA) was conducted.

An Examination of the Benefits of Lactation Consultant Services in NICUs for Mothers and Their Newborn: A Systematic Review.

It is well accepted that lactation consultant (LC) services can enhance the breastfeeding success in mother-infant dyads. However, despite such advantages, not all neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) offer LC services. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the available evidence on the effect of LC service on breastfeeding outcomes for mothers whose infants are in the NICU.

A parent-administered sensorimotor intervention for oral feeding in infants born preterm: A randomized clinical study.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of a parent-administered sensorimotor intervention (PASI) program on developmental outcomes of infants born preterm during their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Method: A randomized clinical study was conducted with 94 infants (mean gestational age 31 weeks [SD 2.2 weeks]; 1658 g [SD 478 g]; 49 males, 45 females) initially enrolled and randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group.

Analyzing the Psychometric Properties of Infant (0-24 Months) Developmental Assessments: A Scoping Review.

Purpose: To assess the psychometric properties of available developmental assessments for infants, aged 0-24 months.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews as a guideline. The following four databases: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science were used to retrieve articles.

Exploration of the Association Between Sucking Measures and Ability to Attain Independent Oral Feeds Among Infants Who Are Born Preterm.

Importance: Infants who are born preterm often experience difficulty transitioning from full tube to independent oral feeds, which often prolongs their hospital stay. No clinical measures associated with attainment of independent oral feeds are currently available.

Objective: To identify specific nutritive sucking measures associated with time to attainment of independent oral feeds among infants who are born preterm.

Interventions to Enhance Achievement to Independent Oral Feeds in Premature Infants: A Scoping Review.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at facilitating the transition from full tube to independent oral feeds in premature infants.

Methods: Scoping review methodology using the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA_ScR). A search of six databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, COCHRANE, and OT Seeker), using keywords related to oral feeding and premature infants retrieved 11,870 articles.

Oral Feeding Outcomes in Infants Born With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

Objective: Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for all infants, but there are limited data on feeding outcomes in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) who are admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a level II/III NICU. Study sample consisted infants with a diagnosis of NAS and those diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome.

Parental Perceptions of the Impact of NICU Visitation Policies and Restrictions Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted parents' ability to participate in their infants' care during the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay in unprecedented ways.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of parents whose infants was in the NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A qualitative telephone interview survey was conducted.

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Breastfeeding Establishment in Preterm Infants: An Exploratory Study.

To evaluate breastfeeding outcomes in preterm infants born during the Covid-19 pandemic. An observational cohort study of 33 infants born ≤34 weeks' gestation was conducted. The study sample consisted of 33 infants divided into 2 groups: infants born during the Covid-19 pandemic (Covid group, = 11) and those born prior to the pandemic (pre-Covid group, = 22).

A Unique Clinical Tool for the Evaluation of Oral Feeding Skills in Infants.

Occupational therapy practice for oral feeding assessment is based on clinical observation of infants' sucking, swallowing, and breathing ability, which is influenced by clinical experience and provides poor evidence on explanatory factors. To test the clinical utility and safety of a nipple monitoring device for the quantitative evaluation of oral feeding skills. Sixteen infants, with no severe medical complications, participated in a pre-experimental pilot study.

Benefits of a Standardized Enteral Feeding Protocol on the Nutrition and Health Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants.

To compare nutrition and health outcomes before and after implementing a standardized enteral feeding protocol on nutrition and health outcomes in very low birth weight preterm infants. A retrospective chart review was performed evaluating preterm infants, born less than 34 weeks gestation and weighing less than 1500 g, before and after the implementation of a standardized enteral feeding protocol. Outcomes included weaning of parenteral nutrition, initiation and advancement of enteral feeds, initiation of human-milk fortifier (HMF), change in weight -score and neonatal morbidities.

Investigating the Developmental Trajectory of Long-term Oral Feeding Problems in 'Healthy' Preterm Infants.

Purpose: To investigate the occurrence of oral feeding problems in preterm infants up to one year after hospital discharge.

Methods: Thirty-six infants born <34 weeks gestation were enrolled in a prospective exploratory longitudinal pilot study prior to hospital discharge. Parents of eligible infants completed telephone questionnaires at 3, 6, and 12 months corrected gestational age.

The Impact of Infant and Maternal Factors on Oral Feeding Performance in Premature Infants.

To identify infant and maternal factors associated with attainment of full oral feeding (FOF) in premature infants. A retrospective study was performed on 89 premature infants (<34 weeks gestational age) from a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Infant and maternal factors were concurrently assessed.

Evaluation of Methods of Breast or Bottle Feeding on Length of Hospitalization of Preterm Infants.

Direct breastfeeding is the optimal method of nourishing preterm infants. Preconceived notions exist among health practitioners that establishment of direct breastfeeding lengthens hospitalization. Thus far, the aforementioned association remains unknown.

Risk Factors Associated With Long-term Feeding Problems in Preterm Infants: A Scoping Review.

Background: Infants who are born preterm are at a high risk of encountering feeding problems.

Purpose: The aim of this scoping review is to identify risk factors associated with feeding problems that persist beyond infancy in children (aged 1-6 years) who were born preterm (<37 weeks' gestation).

Methods: To perform this scoping review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework was applied.

Enhancing breastfeeding establishment in preterm infants: A randomized clinical trial of two non-nutritive sucking approaches.

Background: Preterm infants and their mothers face many barriers to the establishment of exclusive breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess and compare the effect of maternally administered non-nutritive sucking (NNS) on an emptied breast versus a pacifier on exclusive breastfeeding establishment at hospital discharge.

Study Design: A block randomized study design was performed.

Developmental Outcomes of Children Born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): A Scoping Review.

Aims: The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of developmental outcomes of children diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was used to guide this scoping review. A comprehensive search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO was conducted using search terms related to NAS and developmental areas.

A two-pronged approach to reduce noise levels in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a visual noise feedback system and "quiet time" in reducing noise levels in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Design: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in a combined level II/III NICU at a Canadian tertiary care hospital. Noise levels were recorded continuously for three weeks without and then three weeks with visual noise feedback system.

Goals of Parents Whose Infant Is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Explorative Study.

Background: The aim of many neonatal intensive care units (NICU) today is to promote a family-centered practice that addresses parental concerns and needs. However, the specific goals of parents are often unaddressed by the healthcare team. The aim of this study was to understand the goals of parents whose infant was in the NICU to enhance collaboration and communication between parents and health professionals.

A national survey of the enteral feeding practices in Canadian neonatal intensive care units.

Aim: Nutrition affects the growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants, yet controversies exist about the optimal enteral feeding regime. The objective of this study was to compare enteral feeding guidelines in Canadian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Method: The research team identified key enteral feeding practices of interest.

Occupational Therapy Management Strategies for Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Scoping Review.

With opioid use in North America rising, there is a growing incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Infants with NAS experience withdrawal signs that interfere with their occupational performance in activities of daily living. This scoping review aims to identify the non-pharmacologic interventions currently used in the treatment of infants with NAS that fall within the scope of the occupational therapy profession.

Effect of Unimodal and Multimodal Sensorimotor Interventions on Oral Feeding Outcomes in Preterm Infants: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review.

Background: Preterm infants often experience difficulty with the transition from tube to oral feeding. While many unimodal and multimodal sensorimotor interventions have been generated to optimize oral feeding skills, there has been little cohesion between interventions.

Purpose: The aims of this systematic review were to examine the effect of sensorimotor interventions on oral feeding outcomes and to determine whether multimodal interventions lead to better oral feeding performances than unimodal interventions.

Identification of a Pivotal Period in the Oral Feeding Progression of Preterm Infants.

Objective: Preterm infants are at risk of encountering oral feeding difficulties which impede on the transition to independent oral feeds. The objective of this study was to identify a pivotal period where regressions are most likely to occur during their oral feeding progression.

Study Design: This is a retrospective study on 101 infants born <35 weeks' gestation.

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.