Effects of oral stimulstion and breastfeeding support system on the transition to time to full breast of mother and sucking success in preterm infants: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral stimulation and breastfeeding support system on the time to full maternal breastfeeding and sucking success in preterm infants. Material and Method: The study was designed as a longitudinal, randomized, controlled trial. The sample consisted of 70 preterm babies (35 trial - 35 controls). The data were collected by using "Preterm Baby Introductory Information Form", "Infant Observation Form" and "LATCH Breastfeeding Diagnosis Form". Findings: No significant difference was found between trial and control groups in terms of descriptive variables (p>0.05). Significant difference was found between two groups according to time to transition to oral feeding, transition weight, time to full maternal breast, discharge age, duration and weight, LATCH mean scores, continue to suck in the first month after discharge, and body weight averages (p<0.05). No statically difference was found between vital signs of the first oral feeding and the last vital signs before full maternal breast in terms of group and group-time interaction (p>0.05). Regardless of the effect of the group, there was a significant difference in the vital signs according to time (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that, in preterm infants, oral stimulation and breastfeeding support system has effect on time to transition to oral feeding, transition weight, time to full maternal breast, discharge age, duration and weight, LATCH mean scores, continue to suck in the first month after discharge, and body weight averages. But it has no effect on vital signs of the first oral feeding and the last vital signs before full maternal breast. Keywords: Preterm baby, oral stimulation, breastfeeding support system, sucking success