Ad libitum or demand/semi-demand feeding versus scheduled interval feeding for preterm infants

Behavioral Sleep Interventions in the First Six Months of Life Do not Improve Outcomes for Mothers or Infants

“…41,73 We contend that each of these strategies lacks a logical biological rationale, locates authority in the expert, and undermines parental confidence in their capacity to read their infant's cues. 53,[89][90][91][92] Feed spacing does not protect against postnatal depression. 88 However, overly frequent or prolonged breastfeeding are signs of underlying feeding problems, which require appropriate identification and management.…”

A neurobiological model for cry-fuss problems in the first three to four months of life

“…However, studies cited as evidence that behavioural interventions in the first three to four months of life prevent or improve cry-fuss problems, improve maternal sleep duration, and improve behaviour and sleep in later childhood extrapolate data derived from older infants and their families back to the first few months of life [15,37]. These studies do not integrate the evidence that overly frequent or prolonged breastfeeding and excessive waking signal an underlying problem of poor milk transfer, caused by various feeding problems which require appropriate assessment and management, not feed spacing [38][39][40]. In addition, studies cited as evidence that behavioural interventions protect against postnatal depression are complex interventions with multiple covariates.…”

Oral stimulation techniques in preterm infants – International research challenges

“…Cue based and semi demand feeding protocols have been described which rely on observations of the infant behavior, requiring clinicians to seek cues indicating feeding readiness instead of administering gavage feeds on a strict four hourly basis (McCain and Gartside, 2002). A Cochrane review in this area revealed limited evidence that this approach allows earlier attainment of oral feeds and earlier hospital discharge (McCormick et al, 2010).…”