Cue-based feeding in the NICU—a pathway to earlier oral feeding of preterm infants

AimTo compare volume-driven and cue-based feeding of low birth weight preterm infants, regarding short-term outcomes, including transition to oral feeds, weight gain, and length of stay.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study. Feeding and weight gain outcomes were compared between infants fed by volume-driven and cue-based feeds. The groups were subdivided by birth weight categories.ResultsThe study group included 240 low birth weight preterm infants born before 34 weeks of gestation, 120 infants fed by volume-driven feeding were compared to 120 infants fed by cue-based feeding. The groups were sub-analyzed by birth weight categories: