QI initiatives were effective in increasing use of exclusive MOM at time of first feed and of any MOM at time of discharge and in reducing NEC incidence in our neonatal intensive care unit.
Oral feeding is a developmental task for all premature infants. often, independent nipple feeding is the last barrier to discharge home from the NICU. A relationship exists between consistent, infant-driven feeding management practices and improved feeding performance. Conversely, a random approach to feeding may contribute to poor short-term and long-term clinical outcomes. We report a quality improvement project that was undertaken across five NICUs in an urban setting. our aim was to safely initiate and advance nipple feeding for very preterm neonates (born at <32 weeks gestation) who had a respiratory morbidity requiring nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy. A novel algorithm entitled "eating in SINC: Safe individualized nipple-Feeding Competence" was developed. Safe individualized nipple-feeding competence involves the baby, the parents, and the health care team by using infant-driven strategies, common language, and developmentally appropriate goals while supporting fragile neonates to be skilled feeders.
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