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Am J Perinatol 2022; 39(07): 726-731
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718881
Original Article

Pilot Study of Sham Feeding in Postoperative Neonates

Alyssa Tucker
1   Department of Clinical Nutrition, Sheldon B. Korones Newborn Center, Regional One Health, Memphis, Tennessee
,
Eunice Y. Huang
2   Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery and the Children’s Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
,
Julia Peredo
3   Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Florida Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida
,
Mark F. Weems 
4   Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Sheldon B. Korones Newborn Center, Regional One Health and the Children’s Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
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Abstract

Objective Sham feeding may enhance development of oral skills in neonates after bowel surgery and decrease stress levels in mothers. In this pilot study, we test the feasibility of sham feeding, identify safety hazards, and assess maternal satisfaction.

Study Design A convenience sample of 15 postoperative neonates was enrolled. Sham feeding with unfortified human milk was offered following a strict advancement protocol beginning with 5 mL once daily and increasing up to 30 mL, three times daily. Continuous gastric suction was used during sham feeding. Each mother completed a satisfaction survey. Sham-fed gastroschisis patients were compared with a historic cohort.

Results All 15 patients were able to sham feed. A total of 312 sham feeds were offered with a median of 23 sham events per patient. Four minor complications occurred during sham feeding. No differences were noted between 11 sham-fed gastroschisis patients and 81 historic controls. The mothers reported a decrease in stress after sham feeding using a 5-point score (3.8 ± 1.4 vs. 1.5 ± 0.7, p < 0.005) and 100% satisfaction with sham feeding.

Conclusion Sham feeding is feasible for neonates after bowel surgery and is highly rated by mothers.

Key Points

  • Sham-feeding human milk to neonates after bowel surgery is feasible and safe.

  • A novel postoperative sham feeding protocol is described.

  • Mothers of sham-fed infants report it reduces stress compared with not feeding.

Keywords

Sham feeding - oral feeding - gastroschisis - neonate - satisfaction - surgery


Publication History

Received: 21 May 2020

Accepted: 22 September 2020

Article published online:
20 October 2020

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